Program of studies reflects staffing limits; administrators highlight target areas for restoration and growth

Hanover administrators presented a draft program of studies March 12 that reflects this year’s staffing constraints and described priority courses the district would restore or add if funding permits.

Curriculum director and high‑school staff said reductions required consolidation of some senior English electives into general senior English offerings and resulted in fewer elective options overall. Administrators noted an oversubscribed AP European History class (about 32 students) and said the current staffing pattern forces some teachers to cover outside their primary subject areas to keep programs running.

Areas administrators would like to restore or expand if resources permit include a CP anatomy and physiology course to broaden science offerings, expansion of dual‑enrollment agreements (Quincy College and other local institutions), increased career‑exploration and internship opportunities, personal financial literacy as a graduation requirement, and new offerings tied to AI, cybersecurity and sustainability. The curriculum team also described successes in revitalized arts offerings and growing participation in guitar, piano and broadcast journalism.

Administrators said student course selection data and enrollment trends will guide final staffing decisions and that they will return with a late‑May update to the program of studies if staffing changes allow adding courses.

Ending: The committee asked for continued updates and for the administration to bring back a revised program of studies after enrollment and budget refinements are complete.

Speakers are quoted from the meeting transcript and attributed to the staff and committee members named on the record.