Board reviews course guide updates including American Sign Language and use of virtual options
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Summary
District staff proposed new course guide additions including American Sign Language; trustees discussed how weighted courses are determined, whether offerings will exist at every high school, and the district's use of North Carolina Virtual Public School options when local enrollment is insufficient.
District staff presented proposed updates to the curriculum course guide, most prominently the addition of American Sign Language (ASL) to the catalog. Staff said ASL showed interest across all four high schools and that the district maintains a single course catalog for the district; individual schools offer courses based on student interest and available staff.
Trustees asked about course weighting (how a course is designated AP/honors/weighted) and whether adding courses guarantees they will be taught at every high school. A staff member (speaker 12) explained course weighting follows state guidance and that a course remains in the catalog only if sufficient student interest exists to support offering it locally. When a school lacks enrollment or staffing, staff said the district relies on North Carolina Virtual Public School (NCVPS) or other virtual/dual‑enrollment options to ensure access.
Board members also discussed whether certain language offerings (Arabic was referenced) have been routed to virtual delivery in the past because of low enrollment, and trustees emphasized the desire for inclusion and equitable access across students with different language backgrounds and needs.
No formal vote was taken on the course guide at this meeting; staff will proceed with the curriculum process and return to the board as required by policy.