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Chapel Hill‑Carrboro board approves 2025‑26 course package, adds two honors writing classes after scheduling debate
Summary
After hours of discussion about scheduling under a new 4x4 block system and world‑language capacity, the board approved a package of 24 new/revised courses and voted 4–3 to include two honors historical‑writing classes as "highly recommended" rather than required co‑requisites.
The Chapel Hill‑Carrboro City Schools Board of Education approved a package of new and revised courses for the 2025‑26 school year after extended discussion about scheduling under the district's planned 4x4 block schedule, staffing and enrollments for world‑language courses, and whether two proposed honors writing classes should be required alongside AP history courses.
Dr. Bales, who presented the curriculum management team's recommendations and explained the review process, said the team included 26 educators, school leaders and specialists and reviewed 24 course proposals. "Of the 24 courses that we had, 19 of them were actually voted unanimously," Dr. Bales said, describing the committee's deliberations and the role of principals and content directors in vetting proposals.
Much of the board's discussion focused on world languages: Dr. Bales walked through enrollment and staffing figures, noting the district had roughly 1,280 students in Spanish courses and 12 Spanish teachers and flagged concerns about whether additional advanced honors/AP progressions could be staffed or filled under the new schedule. Board members warned that expanding the number of language sections could dilute enrollments and complicate principals' scheduling and asked for follow‑up once course‑selection data are available.
Board members were sharply divided about two proposed honors courses — "Honors U.S. Historical Writing" and "Honors Global Historical Writing" — that staff submitted as co‑requisite (paired) classes designed to prepare students for AP history. Several members urged keeping the courses as presented by the committee; others said making the writing classes more widely available would expand access. A board member moved to accept the package but to include the two writing courses as "highly recommended" rather than required co‑requisites; that motion was seconded and carried on a roll call vote, 4–3.
The board chair summarized next steps: staff will proceed with the approved course list and work with principals on scheduling and offerings, monitoring take‑up once students make selections under the 4x4 schedule. Dr. Bales noted administrators will return with more detailed implementation planning and enrollment data as course selections become firm.
Vote: the amended package (including the two writing courses as highly recommended) passed 4–3 in a roll call.
