Linn‑Mar board approves 2025–26 high school Program of Studies with new certifications and AP offerings

The Linn‑Mar Community School District Board of Directors voted to approve the 2025–26 Linn‑Mar High School Program of Studies following a presentation by Mark Hutchison, the district’s director of high‑school teaching and learning.

Hutchison told directors the packet before them includes the full program of studies and a two‑and‑a‑half page summary of changes. He highlighted new course offerings including a cybersecurity sequence for data and network security, expanded physical‑education options that pair an adaptive “super sport” section with an integrated section for general PE students, and two short certification courses: a lifeguard certification and a sports‑officiating certification course designed to prepare students to take state licensing exams.

“The certifications will be the responsibility of the student,” Hutchison said when asked who pays the test fees; he estimated the lifeguard test at about $47–$50. Hutchison added the district will pay for four seats in the state‑sponsored officiating training and said the Iowa High School Athletic Association would waive licensing and test fees if students complete that program and submit proof of completion.

Hutchison also described curriculum changes in the science and math sequences. The district will offer calculus‑based AP physics courses (mechanics this year; electricity and magnetism in alternating years) in addition to the existing algebra‑based physics, and will formalize a practicum/field‑experience course to ensure the State Department of Education can count it as work‑based learning in accountability reporting.

Several courses were reactivated (probability and statistics) while others were deactivated or postponed because of teacher availability or certification requirements (algebra foundations, organic chemistry, geology, meteorology, environmental sustainability, comparative government). Hutchison said some niche courses may return in alternate years if staffing and student demand allow.

Board members pressed for clarification on blended learning practices and credential classification. “Why are we doing blending?” one director asked; Hutchison replied that blended learning is intended to teach students self‑directed learning and that teachers who use blended models are trained to set expectations and verify student work during the off‑campus or independent sessions.

After discussion, Director Barry moved to approve the Program of Studies and Director Thomas seconded. The motion carried.

The approved Program of Studies will appear as Exhibit 701.1 in the board packet and guide registrations and course offerings for the coming year.