The Dysart Unified School District governing board on Thursday approved new course additions that district staff said are intended to expand student exposure to career and technical education pathways.

Board members approved a Marketing 1 course for middle-school students (grades 7–8) that staff described as a preparatory elective rather than a course that awards high-school credit. Staff said the middle-school marketing course introduces concepts such as the marketing mix, product development and merchandising so students can make more informed course selections in high school CTE pathways.

The board also approved Film and TV Production (grades 7–8) and additional coding course levels for high-school students at Shadow Ridge High School (identified in the agenda as coding levels 5–6). Staff described the coding addition as an option for students who want continued classroom coding experience if an internship is not available.

Staff noted the proposal included a modest stipend for teachers who develop the new curriculum outside the regular school day; the agenda listed an item described as "cost of 2 teachers for 440 hours at $2,500" for curriculum-development compensation. District staff said the courses would be taught by existing faculty and would not displace other electives.

Board members asked whether the middle-school marketing course would grant high-school credit (staff said it would not) and whether the changes would reduce elective choices (staff said the additions increase student choice). A board member asked about expected enrollment; staff said they expected at least one or two sections at each site and hope the exposure will increase high-school CTE completers.

On a motion that listed the new courses as presented, the board voted to approve the Marketing 1 middle-school course, Film/TV Production grades 7–8, and coding levels for Shadow Ridge High School. The motion was seconded and recorded as carried.

District staff said they will implement the courses, finalize curricular resources, and post the updated course guide.