Lynn Public Schools presents 2026–27 Program of Studies, unveils CASA pathways and STEAM blocks

Deputy Superintendent Lori Gallivan presented the Lynn Public Schools’ recommended 2026–27 Program of Studies to the school committee on Jan. 8, highlighting curriculum adjustments, new elective offerings and career pathways tied to grant-funded programs.

Gallivan told the committee that history and social science will become a required course sequence for students graduating in 2027 and that an arts requirement will be phased in for the Class of 2028; the district’s overall graduation credit total remains 95. She said current seniors’ transcripts already reflect a four-year math requirement. “There’s no change to the PE or competency determination requirements for next school year,” Gallivan said.

The presentation proposed a range of new courses and program enhancements, including semester and year-long offerings in visual and performing arts (public mural design, all-city concert and jazz bands), humanities electives (history of American pop culture; trial by jury and mock trial), expanded world-language options (French II and courses for native French speakers), and new computer-science offerings (cybersecurity II and AP Computer Science tracks).

Career and academic planning changes were tied to a MassCEC grant. Officials described an employability semester course requiring job-readiness work (resume writing, interview skills), a driver’s-education written-prep component (the district will not provide behind-the-wheel driving instruction), and a 100-hour internship expectation for pathway students. Dr. Shannon Gardner, who described the clean-energy and manufacturing pathways, said the clean-energy course was chosen because it “is one of the most in-demand up-and-coming employment fields.”

CASA (the district’s STEAM academy) was presented as a priority site for two DESE innovation pathways: information technology (with AP Computer Science A, AP Cybersecurity and AP Science Principles options) and advanced manufacturing/engineering (Project Lead The Way sequences and capstones). CASA’s program specialist, Leanne DeRosa, outlined additional planned pathways — environmental science, visual communications, radio/television broadcasting and performing arts/entertainment design — that the district expects to phase in over multiple years as facilities and staffing grow.

Administrators emphasized that many courses will run only if student interest and class-size thresholds justify them. Gallivan and other staff committed to returning requested data on student achievement and course participation: midpoint I-Ready and benchmark results are being compiled now, and ACCESS results for multilingual learners are expected in May. The superintendent also noted the district will present budget options during the upcoming budget season; administrators said staffing and course decisions will be shaped by enrollment, certification and funding.

Members pressed for clarity on access and equity. Committee members asked how English learners and students with disabilities would be supported to complete advanced coursework; Gallivan said accommodations will be provided via curriculum accommodation plans, IEPs and targeted professional development. Superintendent Cohen said AP and early-college participation data are available through DESE profiles and that the district intends to report outcome measures (AP, MCAS, GPA thresholds for early college) to show whether program changes close equity gaps.

The presentation closed with details about CASA’s STEAM blocks — extended, interdisciplinary Wednesday flex-day modules where students develop projects and present public exhibitions — and plans for student-led councils and family engagement as course-selection windows open.

What’s next: the Program of Studies was presented to the committee for consideration and question; committee members indicated they expect further metrics, staffing plans and budget scenarios during the district’s budget process.