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Standish‑Sterling board approves new AI and sports‑officiating electives after brief debate
Summary
The Standish‑Sterling Community Schools board on Dec. 8, 2025 approved two new high‑school elective courses — AI‑101 and Sports Officiating — for the second semester of the 2025‑26 year, passing the motion 5‑1 after a board member questioned the need for another course rather than additional life‑skills instruction.
The Standish‑Sterling Community Schools board approved two new high‑school electives — AI‑101 and Sports Officiating — during its Dec. 8, 2025 regular meeting at Central Jr/Sr High School. The motion to add the courses for the second semester of the 2025‑26 school year passed 5‑1, with board member Curt Ratajczak voting no and one member absent.
Board President Dennis Kolevar presided over the meeting. The motion to approve the electives was made by board member Kevin Noffsinger and seconded by Board Secretary Angie Baker. The vote recorded was: Angie Baker, Yea; Dennis Kolevar, Yea; Kevin Noffsinger, Yea; Annette Ratajczak, Yea; Jeffrey Ryan, Yea; Curt Ratajczak, Nay; Kimberly Belchak, Absent.
During discussion, board member Curt Ratajczak questioned the proposed AI course and suggested a basic life‑skills course might be more beneficial. The high school principal responded that life‑skills courses are already offered at the school and provided a brief explanation. Board member Jeffrey Ryan said he supported the AI course, stressing the importance of teaching students how to use artificial intelligence tools "positively and correctly," as presented to the board.
The board did not amend the proposal; implementation and scheduling of the new electives will be handled by district administrators and reflected in the second‑semester course offerings. No further action on the electives was recorded at the meeting.
