Board opens first reading to add equity language for college‑credit opportunities; debate over AP, IB and Running Start

Board members opened a first reading to modify operational expectation 14 (instructional programming) to add a sentence calling for "equitable college credit‑earning opportunities starting in ninth grade, including advanced placement and College in the High School courses at all comprehensive high schools," language that some trustees supported as clarifying and others said risked implying a requirement of program sameness.

Director Coyne described the change as an effort to broaden access, not to diminish existing programs. "It doesn't diminish programs that are currently in place. It would just broaden that opportunity for college credit earning opportunities," Coyne said. Director Mullings and other trustees pressed for clarification on how the district would judge "equitable" access: whether the board should require specific programs at every high school or instead define a fairness standard that could be met with different program mixes (AP, IB, Running Start, CTE).

Students and trustees discussed practical constraints. Student speakers and board members noted IB is a two‑year integrated curriculum typically offered at Skyline starting in eleventh grade and that Running Start is a statewide option already available to eligible students; board and staff noted intra‑district transfers are technically possible but that many comprehensive high schools are currently closed to transfers due to capacity. Several trustees recommended separating the policy language into distinct clauses that (a) guarantee equity of opportunity to earn college credit, (b) define foundational credit options expected at every comprehensive high school and (c) preserve unique offerings at individual high schools. The board asked Directors Mullings and Gallinger to work together on revised language before the next meeting.