Harrisburg School Board approves AP computer science course for 2025-26 curriculum

The Harrisburg City School District's Committee of the Whole meeting on March 11, 2025, focused on several key agenda items, including professional development, student services, learning resources, and curriculum updates.

The meeting commenced with discussions on professional development, where recommendations for ratification were made for two staff members: Dr. Kristi Thompson, who attended a conference from February 26 to 28, and Ms. Karen Brown from the transportation office, who is set to attend the Pasco conference. Additional approvals were sought for several staff members, including Ms. Hannah Murray and Ms. Tuttle, to attend job fairs. It was noted that one item would be removed from the agenda for future consideration.

In the student services section, the committee reviewed three immediate action items. These included recommendations for the approval of a waiver of expulsion hearing agreements for three students and an amended adjudication for another student.

The meeting then moved to learning resources, where a quote from VEX Robotics Supplies was recommended for approval to support science classrooms. Two field trip requests were also discussed for students at John Harris High School, including a college visit to the University of Maryland and an end-of-year celebration at Six Flags.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to curriculum and instruction, specifically the recommendation to include an Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science Principles course in the 2025-2026 school year course catalog. This course aims to increase student interest in STEM fields, particularly among underrepresented groups. The College Board is providing scholarships for teacher training and resource materials to support the course's implementation. The discussion highlighted the importance of this course as an entry point for students into advanced placement offerings.

Concerns were raised regarding the availability of curricular resources and how the addition of this course would affect student scheduling. It was clarified that the course would be available as an elective option for students, allowing them to select it based on their interests and prior coursework.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for students through professional development, curriculum expansion, and resource allocation. Further discussions and approvals are expected in upcoming meetings as the district continues to refine its educational offerings.