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Board reviews proposal for new CSIS 120 software‑development course with Siena College dual credit
Summary
District director Matt Berkshire and teacher Ty Russell proposed CSIS 120 (software development) for Green Hill High School, including Siena College dual‑credit (4 credits), prerequisites (CSIS 110 or faculty approval), estimated student fee ($250), teacher certification support, and options for course delivery and equipment.
Greenville Central School District presentation leaders asked the board to consider adding CSIS 120, a software‑development course designed for students interested in coding, problem solving and software careers.
Matt Berkshire, director of curriculum, said the course (CSIS 120) would expand the district’s computer‑science sequence and could carry four Siena College credits for a student fee he cited as about $250. He said students would typically need CSIS 110 as a prerequisite or could enroll with faculty approval. Berkshire described the course content as Java programming, algorithmic thinking and software‑development processes.
Ty Russell, a high‑school math teacher and team leader, compared the course with AP Computer Science A and noted some topic differences; he explained that CSIS 120 covers additional topics and that last year CSIS 110 students had the option to purchase Siena credit (historical fee cited as $200). Russell and Berkshire said Siena College will provide professional development and support certification for district teachers at no charge to the district.
Trustees raised scheduling and equity questions: how dual‑credit lab hours fit into the high‑school schedule, how the extra cost affects students on free/reduced lunch, and whether existing laptops suffice. Presenters said laptop access is expected, that some course resources are free (example: Bluejay), and that the district can provide funding or support for students who cannot afford fees.
Next steps: the board considered the proposal for review and potential approval as part of the instructional‑program initiative process.
