Northern Cambria board approves 2026–27 course catalog after principals explain restructuring

The Northern Cambria School Board voted to approve the 2026–27 high school course catalog following extended discussion about course eliminations, prerequisite coverage and staffing.

A board member expressed concerns that courses such as Drama 1 and 2 would be removed and that trigonometry and statistics (listed previously as prerequisites for some classes) were being changed. Principals (identified in discussion as Mrs. Preish and Mrs. Tivet) explained that content from trig and statistics will be covered in a reconfigured sequence—sometimes condensed into a nine‑week module embedded in another course—allowing the district to meet prerequisites without offering every traditional standalone course. The meeting record notes additions of college algebra and AP pre‑calculus, a semester home and personal finance course to meet Act 35 requirements, and new music offerings (music theory and intermediate guitar) added in response to student interest.

Board members pressed on practical scheduling and staffing questions: how students who need only a half‑year requirement would be accommodated, how the district will avoid conflicts with band and chorus, and whether staff development or additional hires would be needed to deliver new or retooled courses. The principals described targeted staff development during in‑service days, use of paraprofessionals and grouping strategies in lower grades to preserve differentiated instruction and meet state expectations.

The catalog’s proponents told the board the changes were developed by content‑area department heads and teachers and emphasized flexibility: courses may be added or removed in future years based on enrollment. Following the discussion the board approved the catalog as presented.

Next steps noted in the meeting include publishing the catalog and parent notification so families can make timely selections ahead of scheduling timelines.