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CHSD 99 board approves new courses including AP Business and Math 3C
Summary
The District 99 Board approved a package of new and revised courses on Dec. 15, 2025 — including Spanish for Heritage Speakers 3 (Honors), an AP Business with Personal Finance course, a percussion-focused course revision, and Math 3C — all to be offered at Downers Grove North and South.
The Community High School District 99 Board of Education on Dec. 15 voted to approve a package of new and revised courses aimed at expanding college- and career-ready options for students.
The board approved Spanish for Heritage Speakers 3 (Honors), a new upper-level, immersion-oriented course designed for 11th and 12th graders coming out of Heritage 1 and 2 to prepare for AP Spanish or Spanish 5. Tara Bascom, world languages chair, said the course aligns with Illinois State Board of Education guidance and provides a pathway to biliteracy and weighted credit opportunities.
District officials also approved a revision and title-change for a percussion-focused course that had been taught variably inside symphonic band programs; the modification is intended to clarify course content and better match student needs, district staff said.
A new AP Business with Personal Finance course — part of the College Board’s AP Kickstarter series and aimed at ninth through 12th graders — was presented as a project-based introduction to business and personal finance. Brian Veidt and other CTE staff said the yearlong course will include two major projects (a business canvas project and a financial-advisor simulation) and culminate with the AP exam in May.
Finally, the board approved Math 3C, a single-period course intended to replace Math 3S at both high schools. Math chairs Phil Kocasey and John Hellman said Math 3C emphasizes college-algebra readiness and integrates ALEKS placement preparation so more students can enter credit-bearing college math.
All four course items were bundled into a single motion and passed by roll call. Board members who voted in favor included Chris Espinosa, Katie Courtney, April Feynan, Michael Riske and Kara Caston.
The district staff said approved courses will be included in the academic planning guide pending scheduling and enrollment; they emphasized that course offerings may be adjusted by building needs and student demand.
