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Board approves 2025–26 program of studies; district highlights world-language pathway, JROTC growth and scheduling changes
Summary
The Pine Richland School Board approved the 2025–26 high school and middle school program of studies. Administrators outlined new honors-level language sequencing, higher engagement in AFJROTC, proposed future additions such as cybersecurity and financial-literacy requirements, and scheduling changes designed to reduce course drops.
The Pine Richland School Board voted Jan. 13 to approve the district’s 2025–26 high school and middle-school program of studies, a yearly document that guides course offerings and graduation pathways.
Administrators told the board the program of studies remains robust and that the approved revisions reflect multiyear in-depth program reviews and scheduling improvements. For the high school, changes highlighted for the coming years included honors-level World Language 2 courses in French, Spanish and German and an expanded pathway intended to increase retention through German 4 (non-honors) and additional honors options. Administrators presented a multi-year plan to give students more time in language study earlier in middle school so students can continue into higher-level high-school classes.
The secondary team also reported gains in Air Force Junior ROTC participation (97 cadets this school year, up from 80 the prior year) and described work to improve retention of freshmen cadets. Captain Joshua Rager and Master Sergeant Sean Leidig were introduced as new AFJROTC instructors.
Administrators said they are developing options for future program additions, including explorations of cybersecurity offerings and a state-recommended financial-literacy requirement for ninth-grade cohorts beginning with the class entering 2026–27 (to meet a future PDE expectation). The district will consider how and when to phase in financial-literacy so it aligns with students’ graduation plans.
Scheduling and student placement changes were a prominent part of the presentation. Counselors and department chairs described a revised waiver and placement process designed to reduce late schedule changes: teachers now meet with students to recommend the right course and families have multiple checkpoints before schedules are finalized. School officials said these changes have begun to reduce the number of drops and level changes after school starts, which improves class-size stability and staffing planning.
Naviance, the district’s college- and career-planning tool (used in grades 7–12), will continue to be promoted in family events; administrators said selected lessons and webinars are scheduled to support students and families during course-selection season.
The motion to approve the program of studies passed with board assent during the Jan. 13 meeting. Administrators said implementation details and enrollment data will be monitored and reported to the board periodically.
Other notes: The district described a multi-year pipeline for course additions such as AP Music Theory and a possible cybersecurity pathway with college partnerships. Minor changes to AP exam fee language and the removal of under-enrolled elective courses (for example, a mobile applications course) were also included in the program-of-studies updates.
