INTERAGENCY RECOVERY SCHOOL

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

December 2014

Table of Contents
Why are you doing this? .........................................................................................1
How was the decision made? ..................................................................................1
What can you tell us about Interagency? .................................................................3
What is the program and how will it operate? .........................................................5
Who are the students? .............................................................................................7
How will security and legal matters be handled? .....................................................8
How can we be assured our neighborhood wont be damaged? .............................12
WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?
1. Why are you putting the Interagency Recovery School at this location?
Seattle Public Schools supports the educational needs of every student, in every classroom,
every day. Our mission statement states that Seattle Public Schools is committed to
ensuring equitable access, closing the opportunity gaps and excellence in education for
every student.
Because students have a variety of needs, the district needs to be flexible to support every
students educational needs. The Interagency program is tailored to meet the needs of
students who require more or different support than what is provided in traditional
comprehensive high schools. All are small programs with enhanced services.
There is not enough space in our other buildings for this program.
HOW WAS THE DECISION MADE TO ADD THIS PROGRAM IN THIS LOCATION?
2. Why was there no request for community input from the immediate neighborhood and
the John Hay School community before the December Community Meeting?
The district has not normally requested input from the community with regard to program
placements, including its Interagency programs. The major consideration made in this
decision was program space needs and availability of instructional space.
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3. Who made this decision?

District staff made a recommendation to the superintendent in spring of 2014 about the
location of several programs, Interagency being one of them. Ultimately, the superintendent
makes the decision about program placement, but district staff gives the superintendent
information to help inform those decisions.
4. Are you willing to reconsider your decision given parent's concerns?
We are committed to working with the community to make the placement of the Interagency
Recovery School successful.
5. I would like to know what thought process, by SPS, was given to the location right next
to an elementary school as it potentially ramps up to 80 children?
The district does not consider the recovery program to present a threat to the safety or
security of the elementary school or to interfere in any way with its operation. The site is
appropriate (size, location, etc.) for the small high school program.
6. Has anyone ever considered opening a regular high school in that building?
The Queen Anne High School building was closed in 1981 due to a decrease in enrollment
and sold to a private entity. The district has retained ownership of the separate gymnasium
building, but it is too small for a full sized high school.
7. Is this a long-term location for Interagency Recover School?
Yes, for the foreseeable future.
8. Why is there no mention of this effort on the interagency website?
This program is still being formed and developed. Our hope is to have more information on
the site once it is finalized.
9. Would SPS reassess opening this location based on community concerns? Can we
start a petition to vote for the decision, and would it change anything if we did?
The district welcomes and considers input from the community regarding all district-related
issues.
10. What was the decision process around opening a new school location for a program
(for troubled students) over addressing an overcrowding of an elementary school by
over 130 and growing per to the original allocation?
We continually address enrollment growth in all regions of the district. The gymnasium does
not have adequate space for a large number of students, nor does it meet educational
specifications for an elementary school.

11. Our elementary schools are crowded enough on QA. We could have used this space
instead of having two double-wide portables on our playground. There has to be an
alternative in a non-residential neighborhood just like the other 10 or so Interagency
Schools. Is the district looking into alternative sites for this?
Not at this time. Interagency currently operates at 10 school sites. Three are in current or
former school buildings in residential neighborhoods Columbia School in Columbia City,
(old) Van Asselt on Beacon Hill, and (old) Cooper School in West Seattle. While Opportunity
Skyway is located on the grounds of the King County Airport, it is across the street from a
residential neighborhood. Two sites are located in buildings that also house pre-school
programs (UDYC and Van Asselt).
12. Why was there an RFP opened in August with Proposals due September 10, vendors
chosen and work started when the community did not vote on this until October 13?
As with all projects, an architect is hired first to determine what work needs to be done and
then makes recommendations to the district.
13. How does the district respond to the fact that people are considering pulling their
kids from John Hay and moving out of the neighborhood if this program at the gym goes
forward? Will families who attended John Hay have immediate ability to switch their child
to Queen Anne Elementary or another school upon the opening of the Interagency
School on QA?
The district respects the communitys right to withdraw their students from any school and
request admission to another school. The district will accept additional students to other
schools based on space available.
14. Where can we file a complaint concerning how this whole matter was handled?
You may file a complaint with the district Ombudsman, whose email address is
ombudsman@seattleschools.org.
WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE INTERAGENCY SCHOOLS?
15. What are the safety statistics from other Interagency Schools?
Given the vast differences between all the Interagency Schools, we dont feel information
from one relates to the others.
16. What's the success rate of the recovery programs, and/or other Interagency Schools?
This is Seattle Public Schools first Interagency Program of its type, so we have no previous
information to compare it to. Until this fall, there was only one recovery school in the area,
Eastside Academy, in Bellevue. In September, the Kent School district added a recovery
program at its alternative high school. The Interagency recovery school will be the third
school in the state.

17. What is the graduation rate for students of the Interagency School system in Seattle?
This is a difficult answer as students enter and exit the program at different times in their
high school career. Some leave before a traditional graduation to attend their neighborhood
high school, some exit to enroll in a college workforce training program, some move on to a
GED program, and some graduate after completing courses at Interagency. Graduation
rates then do not reflect the success of the program the way they might for a traditional high
school.
18. Are other Interagency Schools in close proximity to elementary schools?
Two Interagency programs are located in buildings that also house pre-school programs
(UDYC and Van Asselt).
19. What is the success rate of students participating and completing programs at the
inter-agency schools?
Again, this is difficult to measure as the definition of success is different for everyone. Some
go on to community college, some return to their neighborhood high schools, some graduate
from the program, some go on to workforce training.
20. How many students have ended up back in jail or detention from the time they
entered an interagency high schoolor fallen into recidivism?
We do not have/keep track of this information.
21. What is the graduation rate for students of the Interagency School system in Seattle?
Interagency typically graduates 75-90 students each year. Because graduation rate is
calculated using the number of 9th graders who start at a high school and graduate 4 years
later, the measure is not applicable to Interagency because students do not start 9th grade
here. Students come and go for a variety of reasons, often returning to comprehensive high
schools once they have caught up on credits. Other students come to Interagency after their
on- time graduation date has passed, but work hard and earn their diploma. These students
do not count as part of an on time graduation rate for any high school.
22. Were any incoming students referred to interagency by a parole officer?
Interagency programs coordinate with the judicial system to provide appropriate education
and support to students. This may include case management by probation or parole officers.

WHAT IS THE PROGRAM AND HOW WILL IT OPERATE?

23. What's the "specialty" of this Recovery School? (ex: the Boeing location teaches
vocational skills, etc.)
The school is an Interagency school, partnering with King County Mental Health and
NAVOS. The Recovery School will support students who are committed to remaining drug
and alcohol free while attending/finishing high school and preparing for college and career.
24. How many students will be attending?
The site will open with 10 students. We believe this is an appropriate number to establish an
effective, safe and positive learning environment when the program first opens. We
anticipate the program to grow to 30 to 40 students by the end of the school year. The site
will have capacity for up to 80 students; however, most Interagency sites serve between 40
and 60 students. We will have at least 4 staff members, so the adult to student ratio will be
favorable.
25. What is the population ramp-up timeline?
Two school years. The program expects to start at the site with 10-15 students in February
and to grow to 30-40 students by the end of the school year.
26. Will students be able to access the building outside of hours of operation?
This will be a small high school site. Regular school hours will be from 8:30 until 2:30. The
school will be operated as a closed campus, meaning students will not leave the site for
lunch. Staff will be onsite from about 8:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. As with every school, there will
be occasional evening events such as curriculum night or family conferences. Students will
not be at the school without adult supervision.
27. What will the staff to student ratio be?
In the beginning, the ratio will be about 1 staff to every 2 students. As enrollment grows, the
ratio will change as well. With 30 students, the ratio will be about 1 to 8. The program will
have at least 4 staff including 2 teachers, paraprofessional staff and a recovery counselor.
One more teacher may be added as enrollment increases.
28. Since there are very few actual classrooms, are you converting the gym to
classrooms?
The gym is not being converted to classrooms. A portion of the lower level is being
subdivided to create four classrooms.

29. What transportation will students be using? (Metro? school bus? driving?)
Just like every high school student, Interagency School students will receive ORCA passes
to use King County Metro. We expect most students will arrive by Metro or be dropped off
by parents. A few students may drive.
30. Will there be drug testing? What percentage of students has addiction problems?
There will be random and non-random drug testing. All students who enroll will have
experienced past problems with drug or alcohol use and will have participated in treatment
services prior to enrollment.
31. Will the school be open during summer months?
Some Interagency sites are open one day each week in the summer for students who want
to continue to work on online classes to catch up or accelerate progress toward their
diploma. We have not made a decision about opening the Recovery School during the
summer of 2015.
32. How will students at interagency structure their day?
Students begin the day with a group counseling session, and then attend a regular sixperiod high school day. Counselors are available for individualized meetings throughout the
day to provide additional support and to work with each student on their personal education
and life goals.
Students at the recovery school will attend classes from about 8:30-2:30. Courses include
math, language arts, PE, social studies, science and electives. Students will take some
classes online. All students will participate in a Recovery Support course each day. Students
will also meet individually with a Recovery Support Counselor. They will eat lunch on
campus.
33. Will students attend classes (e.g. gym classes) off site, such as at Big Howe or the
Community Center?
Students will attend all their classes on site.
34. Is enrollment consistent, or is it "revolving door" with different students coming in and out
over the school year?
The program will start at the site with an estimated 10 students and will grow to an
estimated 30 students by June 2015. Interagency adds students throughout the year. We do
this because we believe students and the community are better off if students are IN school
rather than waiting to enroll.

35. Can you please educate us on the different recovery programs under the Interagency
umbrella? Which of these programs can we expect at the QA site?
Interagency School operates 10 sites. While each offers different services in collaboration
with one or more community partners, the Recovery School is unique in offering support
specifically for students who want to attend a sober school. It is the only program to be
located in the Queen Anne gymnasium.
WHO ARE THE STUDENTS FOR INTERAGENCY RECOVERY SCHOOL?
36. What "type" of students will be attending? (pregnant teens? former gang members?
all have arrest records?)
High school aged students who have made a commitment to remove drugs and/or alcohol
from their lives. The program will serve students who prefer to attend a school where they
can work on their recovery and know that their peers and teachers will support them in
remaining drug free. They agree to participate in a daily recovery support class and to meet
regularly with a recovery counselor. Most students will have completed a drug/alcohol
treatment program inpatient or outpatient. Some may continue attending
treatment/recovery support programs after school. Students will come from every
neighborhood in Seattle.
37. What are the reasons for their expulsion from school?
Students attending were not necessarily expelled from their former school. Each student has
a different story, however students personal information is subject to privacy and it is the
intention of the district to keep their names and information private. About 20 percent of the
students who enroll at Interagency (across all sites) do so as a result of a long-term
suspension from other Seattle High Schools. While some students at the Recovery School
may have been suspended at some time, students will not be placed there as a result of
suspension. Students placed at the school will opt for the site specifically to support their
recovery.
38. Will there be 22-year-old students in this group? (according to the SPS website,
students can be up to 22 years old)
While students are allowed to attend any high school in the state of Washington until the
end of the school year in which they turn 21, we anticipate most students will be between 15
and 18 years old.
39. I heard from a reliable source that the QA site will only be used for neighborhood
youths. Is this correct? If this is the case, will SPS use the 2014-2015 district boundaries
for high schools to enroll students at this site? If not, which neighborhoods will the
youths be from?
We do not release personal information on these students, including their individual
neighborhoods. This program is open to students throughout the district, so we expect
students from all over Seattle, Queen Anne students included.

40. Of the current students, how many of them have been in jail?
This information is not available.
41. Of these students, what are their crimes or what are the reasons they have been
expelled from their traditional high schools?
Again, the recovery school site will serve students who are working on their own recovery.
This does not mean that students have necessarily been suspended or expelled from a
traditional high school nor had any involvement with the court system. About 20% of
Interagency students (overall) come to the school as part of a disciplinary action at another
school. Most come to Interagency because they are seeking a smaller, more personalized
place to learn or are seeking specialized services.
HOW WILL SECURITY AND LEGAL MATTERS BE HANDLED?
42. What security measures will be implemented?
The staff/student ratio allows our school staff to know students well and to provide additional
services and supports for students. In addition to staff at the school site, students have
access to health and mental health services through Interagencys school based clinic, and
specialists who can assist with any concerns that may arise, including intervening with
student behavior if needed. Interagencys three administrators support staff at all sites. As a
school community, we will prepare for and practice responses to possible safety and
security issues that may arise, in the same way all schools prepare. We will limit building
access to staff, students and authorized visitors. At all of Interagencys school sites, staffs
are able to contact the district security office if additional support is needed.
43. In anticipation of (or in response to concerns about) Recovery School students doing
harm or damaging property in the Queen Anne neighborhood, to whom does the school
administration suggest we direct our response, legal and/or administrative?
Community members who witness an act of vandalism by any district student are
encouraged to call district security at 206-252-0707.
Note on 44. and 45. The next two questions refer to this information found regarding a
job description for Seattles Interagency Schools: Interagency Academy serves as a
dropout recovery intake center for Seattle Public Schools serving students who are returning
from having dropped out due to;

Pregnancy, homelessness, untreated mental illness, or other traumatic events;

Having been expelled or long term suspended from comprehensive Seattle high schools
for violent or drug-related offenses;
Having returned from incarceration (either Juvenile Detention, JRA, or King County Jail);
or
Having not been supported adequately by the regular system for a variety of other
reasons and is off-track to graduate.

Interagency does not turn students away, regardless of what has happened before they
have come to us. We strive to find creative, student-centered solutions to every problem that
comes our way. We view barriers that many see as insurmountable as challenges that we
will overcome with our students, and our Intake Center is a critical piece of our success.
44. Is the above the profile of students for the QA Gym Recovery site and if so, how does
this not concern our own administration?
This is a profile of the full complement of Interagency School programs, not just the Queen
Anne site. Interagency School has been an effective and successful program, providing
valuable education and support services to students who would otherwise not have those
opportunities. The profile for students at the Recovery site is as follows: High school-aged
students who have experienced substance abuse issues, who are actively pursuing
recovery and committed to living a sober, drug free life while finishing high school and
preparing for college and career. Students enroll and attend voluntarily.
45. And, if this is the profile, can and how will Seattle Schools ensure the safety of our
own young John Hay children and our neighborhood based on this?
It is not a profile of the Queen Anne site. Students in the recovery school do not present
more risk than others in the community. They may arguably present less risk because they
are working hard to progress in their own lives and have the support of adults who care
about them.
46. Did any of the 10 Seattle neighborhoods in which recovery programs were placed
require extra safety measures (e.g. extra security) during and/or after school hours in
response to the programs?
This is the first recovery high school program in Seattle.
47. Does SPS share data about incidents within the program and/or incidents outside the
program that involved Interagency students and affected the neighborhood?
Criminal incidents are reported to the Seattle Police Department who collaborates with local
community groups. The district participates in community meetings with our local police
department, as appropriate, to discuss incidents of concern and to develop prevention and
response strategies.
48. Even though the program participants may be committed to the program, do they
sometimes still interact with previous group members (e.g. former gang members)? If
yes, how is their interaction monitored?
We strongly caution the community from making generalizations about the students in this
program (for instance, suggesting they are former gang members). Each student had a
different story and all come from all races, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
49. Have the police been notified about this school, and if not, why? Do they have a fast
response protocol set up in the instance of weapons or violence?

The Seattle School district works closely with SPD to be sure that they are prepared to
respond quickly should the need arise. We do not expect any issues to come from this
school but we will work closely with the West Precinct to be sure they are able to respond
quickly and to protect our students at school and coming to and from school. Once the
program start date is set, we will be meeting with the local precinct to share information in
the interest of securing the safety of our students and the community.
50. In anticipation of (or in response to concerns about) Recovery School students doing
harm or damaging property in the Queen Anne neighborhood, to whom does the school
administration suggest we direct our response, legal and/or administrative?
The public would contact the Seattle Police Department, as they would with any other
incident.
51. Did any of the 10 Seattle neighborhoods in which recovery programs were placed
require extra safety measures (e.g. extra security) during and/or after school hours in
response to the programs?
There are no other recovery school programs in Seattle. Interagency operates 10 other sites
but none is a recovery school. Other sites have not required additional security. Interagency
has one security staff person who is housed at our main site in Columbia City. The school
operates four separate programs at that site including the Intake Center for students coming
from all parts of the district. Security at that building was not a response to an incident or
incidents, but rather a preventive measure since hundreds of students come to that site
each week.
52. Even though the program participants may be committed to the program, do they
sometimes still interact with previous group members (e.g. former gang members)? If
yes, how is their interaction monitored?
As is the case in every high school, most students at Interagency are not affiliated with
gangs. Individuals in recovery often recognize that part of recovery is building a new peer
group, which sometimes means letting go of previous friendships. One goal of the recovery
school is to provide an opportunity for students to develop a new peer group and to find
ways to have fun and to cope with lifes challenges without using substances. No school can
govern every aspect of its students lives, so association with friends or others outside of
school is outside of the jurisdiction of the school. We will not allow visitors from other
schools on campus unless arranged in advance, approved by the Site Lead staff member
and only for positive purposes.
53. When the students relapse, what prevents them from taking advantage of local
targets of opportunity (our homes and or persons)?
Relapse is not the end of recovery, especially for adolescents. If students relapse, we will
intervene in partnership with the students family and support system to increase recovery
services and to revise the students recovery action plan. This could include return to
treatment, additional supervision outside of school, and increased frequency of drug testing.
If students continue to use, or refuse assistance in getting back on track, we will move them
to another school. Relapse events are extremely unlikely to happen at school since students

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are well supervised and for most students, school will be the most sober part of their day
and the place where substances are the least available.
54. With marijuana being legal, what procedures are happening that, this not be smoked
feet from small children. The concern is that a students age can go up to 22; therefore,
they legally can smoke this substance
Students who bring or use substances at school will not be allowed to continue in the
program, regardless of age or legality.
While marijuana may be legal in the privacy of personal property, it is still illegal federally
and also on all school property and at all school-sanctioned events. It is not allowed at
Interagency School or any of Seattle Public Schools other sites
55. Is the district at all concerned that a gang element may present itself near the
elementary school either by interagency students themselves or by their associations?
No.
56. What measures is the district taking to prevent gang related activity near John Hay?
Interagency program consults with the Seattle Police Department to ensure that appropriate
prevention and intervention strategies are in place for their students and program sites. This
includes consultation with the SPD gang unit.
57. What will be the procedure regarding potential drug use? As a resident, I expect that
the laws be applied as they would towards me and the full force of the law be instituted.
Again, students in the program are trying to stay away from drugs. While no one can
guarantee anyone elses behavior, we expect drug use at and around school to be the
lowest of any middle or high school in the school district. We will not tolerate possession or
use of drugs or alcohol at the school site.
58. In the district's description of this program, it states that there are protocols for a
student that relapses or is found in possession of drugs. Is the district concerned that
they are now bringing potential drug use within feet of an elementary school?
The students of the Interagency School have committed to being clean and sober, and will
undergo random drug tests. Students must follow the same rules as every other Seattle
Public School student. There is a zero tolerance policy around drugs and alcohol. Should a
student be found in possession or under the influence, they will be removed from the school
and enrolled in a different program. Potential drug use at this location is expected to be
lower than that of most high schools.
It is true that relapse is a possibility for anyone in recovery. Relapse is even more likely
when there are not supports and services in place for individuals to use when they are
considering using again. The best thing for the community is for students to be in school and
receiving the support and services they need to tackle their own recovery, develop new
skills, and find ways to have fun and experience life without using.

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HOW CAN WE BE ASSURED THAT OUR NEIGHBORHOOD WONT BE DAMAGED?

59. What impact should we expect in our neighborhood?
The anticipated impacts of locating the program in the neighborhood include turning an
underused and frequently vacant building into an active school site: students, parents and
staff coming and going; improvements to the appearance of the building and landscape;
active use of an important community resource.
Interagency School and John Hay Elementary will have separate start and end times to
reduce traffic and maintain student separation. The building will receive ongoing
maintenance, landscaping and garbage collection.
60. What is the districts plan for maintaining the exterior of this building and land? It is
an eyesore to our neighborhood, I often pick up trash around the site, move gym
equipment that has been left outside, and Ive seen other neighbors mow the lawn on the
west side of the building. It is a disaster and has not been attended to in years. Please
pass this info along.
As an active high school, the landscaping and building will be maintained. In addition to
district efforts, the school community will take on community service projects including
improving the grounds. Specific projects are still to be determined but are likely to include
landscaping, creating a school food garden and other improvements to the grounds.
61. How does this location affect property values of surrounding homes?
This is not something the school district tracks, therefore we cant answer this question, but
we would expect a well-maintained occupied school building to have a positive impact on
the community.

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