Board hears curriculum proposals: expanded CTE, new fire-science line and dual-credit teaching course proposed for 2025–26

District administrators presented the Fiscal 2026 curriculum proposals to the board, emphasizing an expansion of career and technical education (CTE) offerings that will align with the district's new CTE facility. The curriculum committee and department chairs proposed new or expanded courses in automotive, fire science, welding and woods/construction, as well as a second teaching course (teaching technology) offered for dual credit through the University of Saint Francis.

Dr. Pakowski, speaking for the curriculum committee, said the proposed changes are “very CTE-dominant” and reflect absorption of programming from the Grundy Area Vocational Center (GAVC) into the district’s offerings at the Central Campus. The district plans to add an automotive sequence, a fire-science sequence, expanded welding and carpentry/woodshop classes, and to adjust some course descriptions and names in the catalog.

Administrators described a partnership with the Minooka and Channahon (referred to in the meeting as Shanahan) fire departments and the state fire marshal’s office to offer a fire-science program that would use local training facilities. Staff said the intent is to have students train on-site and that, subject to regulatory approval and program development, students who turn 18 could sit for the firefighter exam shortly after completing the program. The district said students still cannot become certified EMTs until age 21; administrators characterized the firefighter pathway as a potential advantage for students entering the workforce. The meeting included a statement that, if implemented as planned, the district’s program could be the first of its kind in Illinois, phrased as the district’s understanding rather than a definitive claim.

Administrators said the teaching-technology course will be available for juniors and seniors at Central Campus and will mirror a course currently offered at GAVC, delivered through the University of Saint Francis for dual credit. The board also discussed a modified block schedule to be launched next year; staff indicated teachers and departments are preparing for the scheduling change.

Start-up costs for new courses will include equipment, classroom furniture, teacher materials and potentially hiring staff. The superintendent said preliminary start-up numbers will be shared later in the meeting; the board heard a preliminary equipment/furnishing quote list for the larger field-house and CTE projects that totaled about $1,356,816, and staff said those items are budgeted within a previously planned amount of $2 million and are part of the district’s larger capital package. Board members asked about whether existing weight-room equipment would be reused; administration said the current equipment would likely be sold or transferred to nearby districts/programs that have expressed interest.

Board members asked about certification timelines, instructor hiring and logistics; administrators said they had met with department chairs and with local fire chiefs and that retired firefighters have expressed interest in serving as instructors pending board approval to hire necessary staff. No formal board action on curriculum adoption was taken during the meeting; the item was presented for review and to solicit board questions prior to future action.

The district said it will return with specific startup cost figures and staffing proposals when it brings curriculum items forward for formal approval.