The Brookline Public Schools Curriculum Subcommittee voted to recommend a new senior‑level semester elective entitled Contemporary American History, which presenters described as a return of a long‑running popular course and a response to the lack of a dedicated history option in the senior year.

Department presenters said the course fills a curricular gap: Brookline High offers history in grades 9–11, but the senior year has historically lacked a dedicated history elective. The course would begin with recent history and focus on contemporary topics chosen by teachers and students; presenters emphasized flexibility and the ability to update topics year to year.

Jen (Social Studies teacher) told the subcommittee the department solicited course pitches from teachers and that Contemporary American History won strong support in internal voting. “We don't offer a history class for the senior year,” Jen said, explaining that the new course provides historical analysis and primary‑source work targeted at students who want a history‑focused senior option.

The course is designed as a semester elective offered at standard and honors levels in the same classroom, a model the department uses for several senior electives. Presenters said the course is budget neutral, requires no new funding and could be taught by existing staff immediately because the department already has teachers familiar with the material.

Members asked whether the offering would help students who need a U.S. history credit for graduation; Jen said yes — Contemporary American History could serve as a half‑credit of U.S. history for students needing that credit because of transfers or time abroad.

Subcommittee member Helen moved approval; Jesse seconded. The recorded votes in the meeting were yes from Helen, Steven and Jesse and the presiding member; the motion to recommend the course to the full committee passed unanimously.

The department said the class would be offered based on student interest and enrollment and that topics would be chosen to match student engagement and faculty expertise. The proposal does not name the specific teacher who will run the class if approved.

Votes at a glance: Motion to recommend adoption of Contemporary American History (semester senior elective) — mover: Helen (School Committee member); second: Jesse (School Committee member); vote: yes — recorded yes votes: Helen; Steven; Jesse; presiding member; outcome: approved.