Braintree High School program of studies approved after debate over course cuts and dual‑enrollment

The Braintree School Committee voted unanimously on Jan. 13 to approve the Braintree High School Program of Studies for the 2026–27 school year after a detailed presentation from high school leaders and follow‑up questions from committee members.

Principal remarks and review: High school leadership described a multi‑step review process that included director and principal cabinet meetings, course‑level reviews with teachers, and alignment with the state’s Innovation Career Pathways (ICP) grant for health care and business career pathways. The packet included an edit/redline copy of course changes and a list of proposed removals and additions.

Key changes and concerns: Committee members pressed on several substantive items. Doctor Hoare and others noted about 13 course removals in the draft and asked for clarity and public notice because some students may have been relying on those options. The principal said removals reflected courses that were no longer running, staffing limitations or courses that had become entry‑level material better suited to middle grades. On computer science, the principal said students had advanced beyond the former “exploring computer science” level and that expanding higher‑level CS offerings would require new hires and additional budget.

Dual enrollment and AP exams: Members asked whether dual‑enrollment opportunities like those at nearby Scituate and Quincy College — which can allow students to earn transferable college credits at reduced cost — would expand beyond the current business and health care pathways. The principal said dual enrollment is available for many courses if the BHS curriculum can be aligned with a college partner and approved through guidance; existing partnerships are being explored for expansion. On AP exams, the principal confirmed that colleges and schools across the country still participate in AP scoring; while multiple‑choice sections are scored electronically, human scorers grade written responses.

Music and languages: Several members raised concerns about reductions in music offerings (including AP music theory) and world languages (Arabic and Latin were removed or not currently offered). Presenters said some courses had been discontinued because certified teachers left and replacement hires were not available; the district flagged staffing and budgetary constraints as primary reasons.

Vote and next steps: After a brief discussion and a housekeeping correction (renaming an item in the business pathway titles), the committee approved the Program of Studies for 2026–27 by voice vote. District leaders said they would make the agreed corrections, proceed with the scheduling and distribution timeline, and return with additional information on possible dual‑enrollment expansions as work continues.

Provenance: The presentation and the committee’s questions and final approval are documented in the meeting segment covering the high school program of studies presentation and the subsequent motion and unanimous vote.