Blackstone-Millville committee approves 2024–25 program of study, adds AP and student‑driven courses

The Blackstone‑Millville Regional School Committee on Thursday approved a revised 2024–25 program of study for Blackstone‑Millville Regional High School that adds AP Precalculus and other advanced offerings while expanding student‑centered electives and independent‑study options.

Student council treasurer Maya Gonyea, the committee’s student representative, summarized student life and activities before the vote, noting an MCAS math boot camp for 10th graders and that “prom is actually tomorrow in Mendon,” with 179 students and guests expected.

Jill (presenter) outlined academic additions for next year: three AP math courses (AP Precalculus, AP Statistics and AP Calculus) with about 22 students already enrolled in AP Precalculus; AP Seminar as an honors‑equivalent English 10 course; and four new electives including nutritional science and a manufacturing/PLTW course that covers civil engineering and architecture. The committee also approved a pilot independent‑study pathway and a rubric for student‑proposed honors work.

The superintendent said the changes aim to expand access and equity, allowing students who have not followed a traditional advanced‑math sequence to take AP coursework in later grades. The committee approved the program of study as presented.

Committee members also heard a report on learning excursions and a multi‑day Vermont visit in which staff and students examined student‑centered curricula and mentoring practices. Presenters described plans to strengthen advisory time, increase student voice, expand mentoring relationships between high‑school leaders and elementary classrooms, and create internship and applied‑learning pathways.

As part of grade reconfiguration, the committee reiterated plans to move from four administrative teams to three: preK–3 at Millville Elementary/complex; grades 4–7 at the middle school; and grades 8–12 at the high school. Proposed bus times were reviewed (high school 7:25 a.m.–1:52 p.m.; middle school 8:07 a.m.–2:32 p.m.; Millville complex 8:55 a.m.–3:10 p.m.) and staff hiring timelines were described. Committee members asked for follow‑up on staffing and transition logistics; the superintendent said building leads and principals have been engaged and staff notifications are underway.

The committee concluded that the program changes and reconfiguration are intended to expand curricular access, increase applied learning opportunities and provide a clearer advisory scope and sequence for incoming eighth graders.