Tipp City board reviews 2026–27 program of studies; Hope Squad shifts from class to club

At a work session called to order at 5:04 p.m., the Tipp City Exempted Village Board of Education heard administrators describe proposed changes to the district’s 2026–27 program of studies, including expanded world‑language exposure for middle‑school students, new data‑science and cybersecurity offerings, reconfiguration of the Hope Squad class into a club/advisory model, and continued development of career and CTE pathways.

Superintendent Moran introduced district administrators who led the presentation and Q&A. District staff said the proposed sixth‑grade “global language survey” will be folded into the sixth‑grade rotation next year to give earlier exposure before students enter high‑school credit courses. Administrators said the district expects to absorb two additional sections in 2026–27 with current staffing; sustained growth beyond that could require additional hires and budget review.

Administrators noted current participation in middle‑school language offerings is substantial: roughly 150 middle‑school students are enrolled in an eighth‑grade world‑language course this year. The board discussed vertical alignment and said staff will evaluate what additional supports junior and senior‑year students will need if middle‑school language offerings expand.

Hope Squad — a high‑school offering that previously admitted students nominated in eighth grade — will be removed as a stand‑alone credit course and transitioned to a club/advisory model, district staff said. The district reported that 19 students currently have access to the for‑credit Hope Squad class under the nomination practice; administrators said the change is driven by licensure, staffing challenges and concerns about equity for students who move into the district after eighth grade.

Board members pressed administrators about overlapping STEM electives at the junior‑high level. Administrators acknowledged the overlap, said the district is reviewing curriculum distinctions and coordination with high‑school programs, and described an ongoing two‑year science‑curriculum revision targeted for future presentation to the board.

Board members and administrators also discussed new technical offerings. The district plans to add a data‑science course that uses Python and R (state curriculum material exists) and to expand cybersecurity coursework through a statewide consortium. Administrators described teacher training and state support for algebra‑2‑equivalent and data‑science classes.

Career exploration and CTE pathways were a central topic. Officials described a 6–12 plan that would layer career exploration, internships, job shadows and pre‑apprenticeships across grade levels and noted partnerships with local employers and Sinclair College. Administrators reported about 45–50 students currently attend the regional CTC; they said the district is working to provide more in‑district credentialing and internship opportunities for students who do not attend the CTC.

On policy work, the board was asked to participate in a Neola policy‑review meeting; administrators flagged a forthcoming state model AI policy expected to require local action by July and asked for board volunteers to help review local policy updates.

No formal votes were taken on program adoptions at the session. The board approved the meeting agenda at the outset and later approved a motion to adjourn; the work session ended at 5:58 p.m.

What’s next: administrators said they will return with more detailed curriculum proposals, staffing implications and a timeline for any formal adoption; board members were asked to volunteer for policy review and to participate in the Neola update process.