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Board approves peer-to-peer high school elective to expand inclusion
Summary
The Garden City Board of Education approved a yearlong peer-to-peer elective at Garden City High School for the 2026–27 school year to build inclusion and social supports; presenters said curriculum and staffing costs are expected to be covered by existing resources and a university-provided curriculum.
The Garden City Board of Education on March 23 approved a new yearlong peer-to-peer elective at Garden City High School aimed at increasing inclusion for students with and without disabilities.
Kevin English, who introduced the item to the board, said the course was recommended by the district’s staff curriculum and development council and had been reviewed by the board’s curriculum and finance committees. "There are no anticipated programming costs associated with the adoption of peer to peer at the high school as the curriculum is provided by the Start Project at Grand Valley State University and existing staffing is expected to cover the implementation," English said.
Nicole Chegan, the high school counselor who oversees special education, described the class as a pathway for students to learn about neurodiversity and develop peer relationships. "We have about 35 kids who are interested in it for next year," Chegan said, and presenters said they anticipate about 20 general-education peer partners in the first year.
Mrs. Mitchell, who has taught self-contained classes and piloted peer programming in another district, said the program boosted attendance, academic performance and social connections for participating students. She described classroom logistics used in prior implementations, including an initial period with structured activities followed by supervised peers joining regular classrooms.
Board members asked whether students with low attendance or academic struggles could participate. Presenters said applications are open to any student and staff will evaluate candidates individually; while a 2.0 GPA is recommended, exceptions are considered for students who demonstrate daily engagement.
A motion to approve the resolution adding the peer-to-peer elective beginning with the 2026–27 school year passed by voice vote after a motion and support from board members.
The board’s approval follows committee reviews and a district presentation that cited statewide peer-to-peer networks and local pilot efforts. The program will be added to the high school course offerings; the district will return to the board with implementation details as needed.
