Bay Shore staff propose stock‑trading elective and AP cybersecurity course

District staff presented two proposed additions to the high‑school curriculum during the Bay Shore board work session: a stock trading and investments elective (to sit in the math department) and an AP cybersecurity offering.

The stock trading proposal, described by staff, would be an elective offered primarily to seniors and would require a math foundation; staff said they changed the prerequisite from "Intermediate algebra or Algebra II" to "previous three credits in math" to avoid misplacing students. "It's just another option," the staff presenter said, adding that the course is likely to be a singleton section and that the district would seek roughly 20 students to make it viable.

Board members asked whether community professionals could serve as guest speakers; staff confirmed local finance professionals had expressed interest but noted security and fingerprinting requirements for outside visitors. Board members also asked for a scope and sequence and for a more detailed enrollment plan before moving forward.

The AP cybersecurity course was presented as an AP offering brought forward by a staff member (Mike Messino was named as the lead teacher). Staff said College Board materials will be used and the district must complete the AP‑approval procedure in parallel with the board approval process. Members discussed possible dual‑enrollment or college credit arrangements but noted acceptance of credits depends on receiving institutions and majors.

No formal action was taken; staff said they will return with scope and sequence documents, materials and recommended prerequisites for board consideration.