Souderton updates program-of-studies: game design, art alternatives and scheduling tweaks

Dr. Verano presented proposed revisions to the high-school program of studies on June 11, saying the district plans course and structural updates for the 2026–27 school year that respond to student interest and recent state requirements.

Among the substantive changes, the district would add a video game design course emphasizing graphics and game environment design as a complement to existing coding courses. Verano said the change aims to engage students who are interested in visual and design aspects of games but not necessarily in coding. "This would focus on the graphics and the environment of the game," he said.

Family and consumer science would convert the preschool lab (which serves roughly 12 families each year) from a quarter course to a semester course to reduce turnover of student teachers. Verano also proposed an 'alternative materials' art course intended to broaden access to arts programming and cited interest from a young art department and community partners. Board members asked about adding 3‑D printing and welding exposure; administration said CAD and existing engineering pathways include 3‑D opportunities and the district is budgeting for new 3‑D printers.

The presentation also addressed state financial‑literacy requirements for seventh graders and scheduling implications for students attending North Montco: Verano said the district will offer options (personal finance, financial algebra) to satisfy the new mandate. He described a potential honors-level advanced Spanish course (1.25 weight) that would be available before, concurrent with, or after AP Spanish (1.5 weight).

Committee members generally supported the changes and encouraged administration to explore AI and coding pathways for future offerings. No final approvals were taken at the committee level; the proposed program-of-studies changes will be part of the district’s regular approval cycle.