Newberg High proposes new AP, CTE and dual‑language classes; small fee increases proposed

At the Dec. 9 meeting Mark Brown presented a slate of proposed Newberg High School courses for board consideration and flagged a separate fee schedule update for hands‑on electives.

Course proposals include AP French to replace French 4, a CTE 'Design Star' carpentry course that would partner students with the City of Newberg on real projects, dual‑language Latino cooking and Latino arts and culture classes taught in Spanish (available to any fluent Spanish speaker), AP Art History, public speaking as a dual‑credit COMM 111 offering, Writing 122 paired with Writing 121 to increase college credit, and a contemporary music ensemble called Guitar 2. Brown said these proposals have been vetted by teachers, departments and Holly Mealy, the district's director of teaching and learning, and that none of the proposed courses would require additional FTE at this time; if approved, they would be added to forecasting sheets and run only if enrollment supports them.

Brown also presented proposed modest fee increases for supply‑driven classes (anatomy & physiology, building construction trades, chemistry, forensic lab, welding, wood classes and instrumental rental) noting inflation and materials costs. He emphasized that "we never let money be a barrier" and that supports are available so fees will not prevent student participation.

The board asked for documentation of approvals and forecasting impacts; Brown said he would supply missing paperwork and clarified that formal course and fee approvals would return in the spring when forecasting and fee schedules are set.