Board approves professional‑development exchange day and 2025–26 locally approved courses

The Orangeburg County School Board on Dec. 10 approved an administrative request to exchange two after‑school professional‑development evenings (Feb. 25 and March 25) for a districtwide professional‑development day on April 11, 2025. Administration told the board teachers supported the change 73% to 27% in a staff survey; the swap gives teachers an extra day on spring break while preserving the total contracted PD hours.

Curriculum staff also presented the district’s locally board‑approved course catalog for 2025–26 and asked the board to adopt it as an action item. Staff said there are no new courses for 2025–26 but reported a growth in participation: course enrollment rose from about 424 students to approximately 7,157 students across the district in the current year, driven largely by high‑school offerings and more consistent course numbering and availability across schools.

Board members questioned specifics about course delivery. Curriculum staff clarified that some items labeled as ‘‘early American studies’’ are being used at some schools to provide additional exposure before U.S. History and that, depending on staffing and master‑schedule constraints, schools can offer the course as a semester option in combination with U.S. History to provide two credits. Staff also confirmed all locally approved courses are taught by certified staff and that the district uses data trackers to ensure students remain on track to graduate.

Both the PD exchange and the 2025–26 locally approved course catalog were approved by voice vote after motions from board members.