School committee approves 2026–27 program of studies after debate over proposed AI course

The North Middlesex Regional School District School Committee voted Dec. 16 to approve the 2026–27 North Middlesex Regional High School program of studies as presented, after a lengthy discussion about a proposed Project Lead The Way Principles of Artificial Intelligence course for the engineering department.

Principal Laurie Smith told the committee the program of studies lists all courses available to grades 9–12 and that departments review and revise offerings annually. The business department will remove a half‑year advanced accounting course that has not run in recent years and add a full‑year AP Business with Personal Finance course. Smith also proposed scheduling several business electives every other year to increase section availability.

The most contested change was an engineering add: a PLTW Principles of Artificial Intelligence course. Smith said the PLTW curriculum is a prescribed package that introduces students to foundational concepts, applications and considerations of AI within an engineering context and that engineering teachers were interested in offering it as a way to give students a leg up.

Several committee members urged caution. Randy Rush said he worried about adding an AI course before the district has a comprehensive AI policy and asked whether the district risks undermining basic skills. Alexander Bancutti raised concerns about Project Lead The Way’s funders, noting his unease with big‑tech influence (“their biggest backers are Google and Microsoft”), and said more policy work and an abundance of caution were needed. Kim Craven and others recommended testing student interest and clarified that the course will only run if enough students select it and staffing allows.

Superintendent Brad Morgan and Dr. Gary Barboa Reese (district Title I/compensatory programs lead) argued the course addresses AI literacy the district already sees in classrooms and that offering a small, prescribed curriculum can inform the broader K–12 policy the district is developing. Morgan added that PLTW courses are similar to APs in being prescribed curricula and that the district can monitor pilots and use teacher feedback to shape future policy.

A motion to approve the full program of studies passed by roll call. The committee recorded two abstentions (Alexander Bancutti and Lisa Bloom) and one no vote (Randy Rush); the remaining members voted yes. Principal Smith will proceed with the course listing process; whether the AI class runs will depend on student signups and final schedule/staffing decisions.

The committee said it will continue work on district AI/technology guidance as a separate action item this year.