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Board sends proposal to gauge interest in world-religion electives to curriculum committee (5–1)
Summary
The board voted 5–1 to refer consideration of world-religion and comparative-religion elective courses to the district curriculum committee to gauge student interest, staffing needs and syllabus development for potential inclusion in the course catalog.
The New Hanover County Schools board voted to send a proposal to the curriculum committee to gauge student interest in world-religion and comparative-religion electives.
Pat Bradford moved to send the matter to curriculum with parameters laid out in a Dr. Barnes memo; the motion was seconded and, after discussion about staffing, certification and how niche electives would be scheduled, the motion passed 5–1.
Staff said the normal process would be to gauge interest, identify a teacher and develop a course syllabus and standards, and then return the proposal for board approval if student interest and staffing support it. The superintendent noted that adding elective courses may require future adjustments to staffing and the master schedule and that niche offerings could be offered through state virtual options if interest is small.
Board members emphasized the need for careful syllabus design to ensure courses are non‑denominational in approach and suggested early parent notification before any curriculum adoption.
