VISD board approves new high-school courses for 2025'26, delays three independent-study scripture courses over missing TEA training

The Victoria Independent School District board on Jan. 16 approved a slate of new and reactivated high-school courses for the 2025'26 school year but voted to exclude three independent-study English course numbers tied to Hebrew scriptures and the New Testament because required training specified in state statute has not been developed. The motion to approve all listed courses except the three independent-study English courses passed 4'to'3.

Ms. Justice, a curriculum staff member, presented the proposed catalog additions, which include new core courses, CTE pathways and multiple dual-credit options developed in partnership with Victoria College. She told the board the district had proposed the college-board AP and dual-credit expansions to create clearer CTE pathways and to crosswalk college credit back to high-school credit.

During discussion trustees raised multiple questions about the independent-study English offerings that would treat Hebrew scriptures and the New Testament as specialized, semester- or year-long study options. Ms. Justice said the Texas Education Agency had confirmed that the staff-development training referenced in statute "does not currently exist" and that, at present, districts offering the course would apply for a waiver through TEA's portal. She said TEA had indicated districts that offered the course previously did so without the fully developed training.

Trustees who opposed immediate approval said the lack of TEA-developed training and the absence of detailed curriculum guidance created implementation and oversight risks. Trustee BJ Nelson (opposed) said, "I disagree because we don't have verification that we're gonna get teachers for all these..." (transcript remarks). Supporters said the district could proceed responsibly with the larger course package while pausing the three independent-study items until training and monitoring safeguards are available; some trustees said they planned to press state legislators and TEA for clearer guidance.

Motion and vote: Trustee Bridgette Marshall moved to approve the high-school course list with the exception of the three independent-study English course numbers for Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament; Trustee Margaret Pruitt seconded. After discussion the board voted 4 in favor and 3 opposed; the motion carried. The board directed administration to continue working with Victoria College on dual-credit arrangements and to bring the three independent-study items back for future consideration if TEA develops the staff-development training referenced in Texas Education Code.

What was approved: the board approved the majority of the proposed additions, including new CTE dual-credit pathways, audio/video and other vocational course reactivations and the AP/advanced-course catalog items presented by administration. What was held: the three independent-study in English course numbers (Hebrew Scriptures; New Testament; combined Hebrew Scriptures and New Testament) were withheld pending TEA training and further curriculum guidance.

Next steps: administration will finalize contracts and dual-credit delivery plans with Victoria College, collect instructor availability and certification details for new courses, and track TEA progress on development of staff-development training so the three held course items can be reconsidered later.