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Parents urge Galesburg CUSD 205 to keep AP Physics 2 and other AP offerings
Summary
Two parents told the Galesburg CUSD 205 board that the district should preserve Advanced Placement STEM courses after they learned AP Physics 2 may not be offered next year because of low enrollment.
Several parents urged the Galesburg CUSD 205 Board of Education Monday to ensure Advanced Placement (AP) STEM courses remain available after being told AP Physics 2 may not be on next year’s schedule.
The concerns came during the meeting’s public-comment period from John Edwards and Nick Dilley, both parents of Galesburg High School students. "I hope you reconsider," Edwards said of the possible cancellation of AP Physics 2. "I don't know if the decision's been made. If it has, it has, but I'd sure like you guys to think about offering AP Physics 2 next year." He said limiting the course sequence can hinder recruitment of professionals to the community because families consider school offerings when they move.
Dilley echoed Edwards and described the effect on his son, saying the possible loss of AP Physics 2 would be "the third time" the district had been unable to meet his son’s AP needs. He said his son has self-studied for AP-level courses and expressed concern about college preparedness and competitiveness. "Without AP Physics 2, Liam will have exhausted the STEM related AP options at GHS," Dilley said.
Why it matters: Board members and administrators said AP course offerings require sufficient enrollment and staff capacity. At the meeting, a board member described 15 as a typical target for a new section but said AP classes have been offered with lower numbers in the past. Assistant Superintendent Mindy Ritchie and other administrators said staffing and existing class loads constrain the district’s ability to add sections without displacing other courses.
Details and discussion: Parents urged the board to consider alternatives such as dual-credit arrangements with local colleges, targeted outreach to build enrollment, or other scheduling solutions. Board members noted that dual-enrollment agreements differ from AP credit and that colleges vary in how they accept AP scores. Superintendent and other administrators said the schedule in question was preliminary and that staff would review options.
Next steps: Board members requested administration provide clearer information when course offerings change and to explore ways to preserve AP opportunities where feasible. No formal vote or policy change on AP scheduling occurred at the meeting.
Ending: Parents asked the board to treat AP access as a district priority for students aiming for STEM study in college; administrators said they would take the comments under advisement as they finalize next year’s schedule.
