Board approves Oley Valley High School program catalog after debate over public speaking schedule

The Oley Valley School District Board of School Directors voted Nov. 12 to adopt the Oley Valley High School program of studies (course catalog) after a curriculum committee presentation and brief debate about course scheduling.

Curriculum Committee Chair Mary Harris moved to approve action items including the high school catalog; the board pulled item 4 for discussion. A parent and several board members praised the new catalog’s clarity, saying it made planning easier for families. One board member raised concerns about staffing and the decision to offer the public speaking course only every other year; a curriculum presenter explained the course is alternated primarily because of staffing and student interest, and confirmed it will be offered next year. “The public speaking course is offered every other year mainly due to staffing concerns and student interest,” the presenter said.

Proponents argued the catalog is an improvement for families and guidance counselors, with one parent saying it was “very easy to understand, very easy to read, and very easy to plan what your students may wanna take.” After discussion, the board approved Motion 4; one board member abstained.

What the vote means: the district will implement the catalog as approved; administrators said they will continue to monitor enrollment and staffing to consider future scheduling changes for alternating courses. The curriculum committee will address concerns raised about how alternating-course availability is communicated to families during open house and registration periods.