Kelly June, executive director of academic services, presented draft secondary course proposals to the Board of Education on Nov. 10 and emphasized that the presentation was informational only; the board will see the items again in December when action may be requested.

Key proposals include adding an AP Business and Personal Finance course that would satisfy the Kansas Department of Education financial-literacy graduation requirement, introducing a new introductory-to-teaching course at all five comprehensive high schools to expand the education career pathway, renaming several journalism and career-technical classes to align with state rules, and adding a Music Technology course at Blue Valley Academy.

June also described a districtwide pre-algebra/algebra 1 double-block course pilot that compresses 1½ years of content into a single year and awards two math credits, saying the pilot produced "exceptional growth" in students who participated. "If you can have a favorite, this is my favorite," she said of the double-block model.

Board members asked clarifying questions about whether the double-block replaces Math Strategies and how credit is awarded. June said Math Strategies is an elective support class and would not be replaced; students in the new double-block would receive two math credits in one year rather than taking pre-algebra and algebra across two years.

No votes were taken; board members may submit feedback before the December meeting when the district will request action on the proposed changes.

Next steps: The proposals return in December for action; staff encouraged board members to provide feedback in the interim.