The Cedar Springs Public Schools Board of Education convened on November 11, 2024, to discuss several key agenda items, with a primary focus on the proposal for a new Advanced Placement (AP) course in Comparative Government and Politics.

Mr. Baron, representing the high school administration, introduced the course proposal, emphasizing the need for new offerings in the curriculum. He noted that the course would be a full-year program aimed at juniors and seniors, providing an AP weighted grade. The course is designed to fulfill the Michigan merit curriculum's government and civics requirements, allowing students to engage more deeply with various governmental systems worldwide.

The proposal was driven by significant student interest, with dozens of students expressing a desire for an AP course in this subject area. Mr. Baron highlighted that this addition would complete the social studies department's offerings, ensuring that all core courses have an AP option. This move is expected to enhance student engagement in civic matters at both local and national levels.

Projected enrollment for the course is around 30 students, with a cap of 60. There are no prerequisites for enrollment, making it accessible to a broader range of students. The course will utilize a textbook costing approximately $113, along with a digital license fee of $41 for six years. The board will assess actual enrollment figures before finalizing the budget for the course materials.

Mr. Stewart from the social studies department supported the proposal, noting that the course would distinguish Cedar Springs from other schools by offering a less common AP subject. He explained that the curriculum would cover the United States alongside governments from countries such as Iran, China, and Russia, providing a comprehensive understanding of global politics.

The board plans to review the proposal further and will consider it for action in an upcoming meeting. Overall, the introduction of the AP Comparative Government and Politics course reflects the district's commitment to expanding educational opportunities and responding to student interests.