School committee approves new ‘Sustainable Building Engineer’ science course at Renaissance

The Springfield School Committee approved a new science course, titled “Sustainable Building Engineer,” which district staff described as the first course in a planned career pathway at Renaissance High School.

Superintendent Dr. Dennal said the course came through the curriculum subcommittee and will provide students with hands-on science investigation and career-related experience. Presenters included school principal Wright, William Decker and director Roncey Aman; Assistant Superintendent Terry Poe was also present.

Committee members said subcommittee review took significant time and that much of the detailed work on curriculum occurs in subcommittee. A motion to approve, made by Gonzales and seconded by Collins, passed on roll call (Gonzales — yes; Attorney Murphy — yes; Collins — yes; Miss Gresham — absent; Miss Hurst — absent; Miss Brown O'Neill — yes; Mayor Sarno — yes).

The committee characterized the course as part of a multi-course pathway that will be expanded in future years to support career and technical education aligned with district goals. The approval authorizes the district to add the course to the high-school curriculum and proceed with scheduling and staffing.