Galena board approves expansion of high school business program, moves teacher to full time

The Galena City School District Board of Education on Feb. 12 voted unanimously to approve the 2025–26 Galena High School business program and to move the school's business teacher from 0.83 full-time equivalent to a full-time position.

School administrator Mrs. Hawkins told the board the program has quickly expanded since the district hired Miss Stewart this year and said 62 students have already requested the Intro to Business course for next year. Hawkins said two business courses have already been approved for dual credit through Highland Community College, with a third dual-credit course planned for a later year.

The board's action allows the business teacher to teach five business courses next year (moving toward a six-course full-time load) and to continue growing the cooperative workplace learning program and FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) participation. The motion to approve the 2025–26 business program was made by Board Member John, seconded by Board Member Mike, and passed on a 6–0 roll call.

Why it matters: Board members said expanding the business program gives students both workplace credit and potential college credit, and creates a new internal career pathway the school can list on diplomas. The district noted the program supports career readiness and local workforce partnerships — examples include students placed with local electricians and construction employers through the cooperative program.

Details the board discussed: Miss Stewart currently supervises workplace-learning students one day per month to build resumes and observe students on the job; the district plans to run business communication and accounting on alternating years so students can access multiple courses and dual-credit opportunities; and the new business pathway would be the district's first internally administered business credential (the district already holds pathways in nursing, construction and education via CTE).

Board vote and next steps: The board approved the program so schedules could be finalized before course registration. Mrs. Hawkins said the district will continue to build employer partnerships and publicize the dual-credit opportunities to increase enrollment.

Closing note: The approval was procedural and unanimous; the board did not alter course content during the vote and directed staff to implement the program as presented.