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Board approves updated dual‑enrollment agreement with community college; some courses available at no cost to students
Summary
The board approved a renewed dual‑credit agreement with Columbia Community College that raises per‑credit tuition modestly but notes a state provision allowing certain 'passport' courses to be offered at no cost to students; eligibility and GPA criteria for CTE vs transfer courses were clarified during discussion.
The Southampton County School Board on Aug. 11 voted to approve a dual‑enrollment agreement with Columbia Community College, keeping the contract structure largely unchanged from prior years while reflecting a modest tuition increase and state policy changes that expand no‑cost course options for students.
Speaker 3 (the superintendent) told the board the per‑credit tuition in the agreement increases from $163.40 to $171.95. She also noted a recent state act that allows students to participate in certain "passport" or UCGS courses with no cost to students, families or the school division; if local instructors are unavailable, the college will provide those courses virtually at no cost.
Board members raised questions about student eligibility for dual enrollment, particularly how GPA requirements differ between CTE offerings and transfer/college‑level courses. One board member noted that the MOU/page packet (page 36) shows CTE participation requires a GPA of 2.0 while transfer courses commonly require higher standards (around 3.0). Speaker 3 and others said the college has been flexible historically and will work with the division to place students appropriately.
Mister Rogers moved and Mister Smith seconded approval of the contract; the board approved the agreement by voice vote. The contract will be included in board docs and staff will continue coordination with the college on course lists and instructor availability.
