Parents, teachers urge Lodi Unified to reinstate AP Computer Science at Lodi High
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Summary
Parents and teachers told the Lodi Unified School Board the reported removal of AP Computer Science at Lodi High would harm students’ college and career opportunities and worsen equity gaps; district staff said scheduling issues at the school — not a district‑wide policy — appear to be the immediate cause.
Forrest Ebbes, a parent of a Lodi High student, told the Lodi Unified School Board on Feb. 17 that an administrative decision to eliminate AP Computer Science at Lodi High School will ‘‘profoundly’’ harm students’ readiness for college and careers in computer science. He said the course’s removal would leave the school with just two computer science offerings and would ‘‘reinforce long‑held stereotypes’’ that students from the Valley should expect less access to rigorous STEM coursework.
Why it matters: Parents and several staff framed the issue as one of equity and pipeline access. AP Computer Science is often cited by colleges and competitive STEM programs as foundational preparation; community members said losing the course could reduce students’ competitiveness for admissions and limit exposure to high‑demand skills in a region close to major tech employers.
Board and staff response: Later in the meeting district staff clarified that the reported reduction at Lodi High appears to stem from site‑level scheduling and course‑selection processes rather than a district directive to eliminate AP Computer Science across Lodi Unified. Superintendent Young said course assignments and master schedules remain under review, and that principals and site staff are handling final program placements. The district encouraged school‑level discussion and offered to provide information about course planning processes to the board and public.
Voices from the public: Other speakers at public comment echoed Ebbes’s concerns and requested the board and administration examine the decision-making process. Teacher representatives also raised related concerns about how professional development and district policies affect AP teacher supply and salary‑schedule advancement.
What’s next: Board members asked staff to follow up with Lodi High and provide clarity about the master schedule and whether AP Computer Science will be offered in the coming term. One board member requested that site leadership resolve the issue quickly and report back to the board.
Representative quotes: "By eliminating AP Computer Science, our students will be at a significant disadvantage both in admissions and readiness should they elect to pursue an education or career in information technology," said parent Forrest Ebbes. "This is not a district stance that we are not AP Computer Science supporters," a district staff member said later, describing the situation as a site‑level scheduling issue that should be addressed at Lodi High.
The board did not vote on any district‑level policy change regarding computer science during the meeting; board members requested additional information and clarification from staff and the Lodi High site.