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Board approves 2026–27 program of studies, adds cybersecurity, AP music theory and changes to scheduling
Summary
The Pine‑Richland board approved the 2026–27 high school and middle school programs of study, adding two cybersecurity courses in partnership with Robert Morris University, an AP Music Theory pathway, and changes to waiver windows and scheduling to tighten staffing projections.
The Pine‑Richland School District board voted Thursday to approve the 2026–27 high school and middle school programs of study, adopting new course offerings and procedural scheduling changes aimed at improving course placement and staffing accuracy.
Administrators described several substantive curricular additions: two college/high‑school cybersecurity courses are recommended to replace a dated Photoshop offering, with Robert Morris University partnering to provide college credit opportunities for 11th–12th graders; AP Music Theory will be added, supported by a revised fundamentals course for students not yet ready for AP; and an advanced video production course will be offered through an agreement with Point Park University.
Officials emphasized that course additions were tied to multi‑year program reviews and careful staffing projections. "We think cybersecurity is something that is very popular and a lot of students are looking for those opportunities post high school," an assistant principal said, noting the district is recommending multi‑year access to digital resources. Administrators estimated one licensing option at roughly $5,500 for eight years to support a CHS (college‑high school) information‑technology course, and a $100 student fee for some CHS certification opportunities.
The district also confirmed scheduling improvements: the waiver window for course overrides was moved up almost a month so waivers are captured earlier in counseling conversations, reducing last‑minute schedule churn that complicates master scheduling and staffing. Staff said earlier waiver capture will shrink late changes that previously required schedule rework and larger class adjustments.
Administrators previewed parent scheduling events ("Choosing Wisely" Jan. 28) and noted the state's half‑credit personal finance graduation requirement; the district is exploring online and in‑person delivery options for that requirement.
The board approved the program of studies as presented; staff said further details and cost breakdowns would be provided to the board and community in follow‑up materials.
