Collingswood board approves updated 2026–27 program of study additions; digital photography and expanded computer‑science pathway to run

At the June 16 Committee of the Whole, curriculum staff presented an updated 2026–27 program of study that restores previously grayed‑out options and adds a suite of computer‑science courses delivered via an online provider with local teacher facilitation.

Staff said course tallies and teacher capacity reviews prompted a re‑survey of students. Digital photography drew the strongest response and will run next year; staff cited roughly 50–60 interested students (59 cited from memory) while noting not every student can keep their original selection when swapping into a new course. Other additions include public speaking, computer‑science offerings (including game development and a pathway using Edmentum online content) and additional semester options to maximize course availability under contractual staffing limits.

Administrators stressed a different delivery model for the computer‑science pathway than the district’s prior virtual high‑school experiment. Instead of fully independent online courses, the district will assign a certified teacher to act as an on‑site facilitator who supports students through the online curriculum, provides content help and reduces the isolation problems seen in prior implementations.

Board members pressed for details on teacher certification, equipment and Wi‑Fi needs for media and engineering courses; staff said certification exists for assigned facilitators and promised a report back on specific materials and connectivity fixes over the summer. The board will vote to re‑approve the program of study at the regular meeting next week.

Next steps: curriculum staff will finalize staffing assignments, report summer work on equipment and connectivity, and present the program of study for formal approval at the next regular board meeting.