The Boyertown Area School District board approved the 2026–27 senior high program of studies after a substantive debate over how weighted grades are applied to Advanced Placement (AP) and dual-enrollment (DE) courses.

A board member (speaker identified in the transcript as 'speaker 4') argued that AP classes are typically more rigorous, follow a nationally standardized curriculum and are accepted by a broader range of colleges, and therefore should retain a higher GPA weight than DE courses. That board member urged a compromise — a 0.15 GPA bump for DE courses — to reflect perceived differences in rigor.

Administration and guidance staff responded that both AP and many DE courses are college-level and that dual-enrollment offerings can, in some cases, grant college credit at the partnering institution. Administration noted the district’s counselors and program evaluators concluded it was difficult to justify a categorical difference across the wide variety of DE courses and said the policy change sought to promote consistent recognition of college-level work.

Board members raised practical concerns: students could "shop" for an easier course to gain a GPA advantage, and families reported DE credit is not universally accepted by every college. Administration countered that counselors will advise students on postsecondary plans, and that program design should align to students’ intended pathways.

After discussion the board voted to approve the senior high program of studies. The vote recorded seven in favor and one opposed (Miss Kratz). The administration said it would continue to monitor enrollment, AP and DE participation rates and report back to the board with data as part of program evaluation.