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Subcommittee backs lifeguard certification and four AP courses at Springfield Central High
Summary
A school subcommittee voted to recommend a lifeguard training course and three advanced‑placement offerings at Springfield Central High — all presented as no‑cost or AP‑credited opportunities intended to expand career and college pathways and address equity gaps in access to swim skills and STEM fields.
The Legislative and Contracts joint subcommittee of the Springfield School Committee on April 1 recommended that the full committee approve a lifeguard training course and four advanced‑placement classes at Springfield Central High School.
Superintendent Dr. D'Amour told the panel the lifeguard course is designed for 11th‑ and 12th‑grade students, will meet state lifeguard standards, provide certification at no cost to families, and create summer employment opportunities. "Many students over the summer do take advantage of that certification and they are gainfully employed as lifeguards at our area pools throughout the city," Dr. D'Amour said. Principal Tokarz and Joshua Rice were present to answer implementation questions.
The subcommittee also recommended three AP additions at Central: AP Art History, AP Cybersecurity and AP Business with Personal Finance. Dr. Danall described AP Cybersecurity as a "cutting edge" course that opens tech career pathways, and Assistant Superintendent Terry Po noted that AP Art History is regulated by the College Board and offers global perspectives. Members praised the proposals for supporting post‑secondary readiness and for preserving arts and career offerings amid budget pressures.
Each item was moved and seconded and received unanimous votes in the subcommittee. Mr. Gomez and Ms. Valentine both cited the courses' potential to broaden students' opportunities; Ms. Valentine confirmed the lifeguard course would be covered "out of his budget" (Principal Tokarz) so families would not pay. The subcommittee recorded roll‑call affirmative votes and agreed to forward the recommendations to the full school committee for final approval.
Next steps: each recommended course will appear on the full school committee agenda for a final vote. If approved, Central High School will proceed with scheduling, staffing and the student enrollment process described during the presentation.
