Braintree approves BHS 2026–27 Program of Studies after debate on course cuts, dual enrollment and staffing
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Summary
After a lengthy presentation and questions about course removals, dual-enrollment expansion and staffing constraints, the committee approved the Braintree High School Program of Studies for 2026–27 and asked staff to make a promised correction before final publication.
Braintree High School leaders presented the 2026–27 Program of Studies and the school committee approved the document after questions about course removals, dual-enrollment options and staffing.
Presentation and process: The presenter described a multi-step review involving department directors, assistant principals and a principal’s cabinet; the Program of Studies edits were shared with the committee as a red-lined document. The presenter said the review focused on aligning course titles and descriptions with state expectations tied to innovation career pathways grants in health care and business.
Course removals and staffing constraints: Committee members noted that 13 courses had been removed from the draft Program of Studies and asked about specific losses, including AP Music Theory, introductory computer science exploration, Latin and Arabic. The presenter explained that some lower-level or seldom-offered courses had low enrollment or lacked qualified teachers; for Arabic and some other language offerings the district had previously run a course tied to a specific staff member who later left. "If we had the people, we could grow offerings," the presenter said, citing the need for additional teaching positions and the budgetary constraints that limit hiring.
Dual enrollment and pathways: Members asked whether dual enrollment with local colleges (notably Quincy College) is available more broadly. The presenter said dual-enrollment opportunities exist and can be expanded when curriculum alignment with partner colleges is established; some pathway courses (business, health care) already include reduced-cost college-credit options through partnerships.
Committee action and corrections: After discussion and a request that a naming/prerequisite correction be made on pages noted in the packet, a motion to approve the Program of Studies was made and seconded; the motion carried by unanimous voice vote. The presenter confirmed she would make promised corrections and return the final materials to the committee and guidance staff for distribution to families.
What to watch: Committee members flagged concerns about the loss of elective and music offerings and urged that the upcoming budget process consider staffing needs to restore or expand course access.