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Board approves new elective LBA courses and choice programs; trustees debate math sequencing
Summary
The board approved local board approved (LBA) courses including Algebraic Applications and a Mock Trial elective, and approved choice program applications for Whale Branch STEAM and Hilton Head Island High visual and performing arts. Trustees debated math pathway sequencing, student workload and how the new elective will be used for student support.
The board approved several academic items on Nov. 4 after the academic committee's report recommending the items for the consent agenda.
Motions passed to: approve a local board approved course titled "Algebraic Applications" as a high-school elective intended to deepen students' algebra readiness; approve a Mock Trial elective for grades 9–12; continue use of existing board-approved courses for the 2026–27 school year; and approve two choice program applications — Whale Branch Elementary STEAM and Hilton Head Island High School Visual & Performing Arts.
Board members questioned how the new Algebraic Applications elective would fit the state's changed math pathways (geometry with statistics) and whether making the elective available in high school might double a struggling student's course load. District staff said the LBA is intended as targeted support and not as a replacement for required math credits: counselors, principals and department heads would determine student placement so the course functions as an elective support option rather than a mandated graduation requirement.
"We're trying to set students up for additional support and success," a district official said, explaining that the LBA will be available as an elective and will not be a substitute for required math credits.
The board voted to approve the choice program requests and the LBA motions; votes were recorded as unanimous on those items in the meeting record.
