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Students and parents urge Lynwood Unified to restore AP Calculus at Fireball High School
Summary
Multiple students and parents delivered public comments and presented a petition with more than 100 verified signatures asking the board to provide AP Calculus and more advanced math pathways at Fireball High School or arrange access at nearby sites; they said the absence of AP Calculus disadvantages students applying to selective colleges and limits earning college credit.
A string of public commenters at the June 25 Lynwood Unified board meeting urged the district to offer AP Calculus and additional advanced math and science courses at Fireball High School.
Student speaker Jelia Leva said Fireball students rely on AP pathways and that the highest math currently offered — AP Pre‑Calculus, as described by the speaker — “falls short” because many colleges do not accept it for credit. She said the petition gathered more than 100 verified signatures in less than 24 hours and that most signers were rising seniors who would be affected next year.
Another student, Michelle Contas, described having to take college courses outside the district to remain competitive for selective college applications and asked the board to provide a qualified teacher and a schedule that allows Fireball students access to AP Calculus. “We need an AP Calculus class with a new teacher,” she said.
Parents Veronica Burgos, Evangelina Cruz and others echoed the students’ concerns, saying neighboring high schools offer AP Calculus and that Fireball families want equal access without forcing students to transfer schools. One parent asked for an explanation for why AP Calculus was not offered this year after prior promises.
Speakers suggested options including hiring a qualified instructor, arranging cross‑campus enrollment at a nearby high school, or increasing dual‑enrollment and CTE pathways that could count toward college‑readiness criteria. Board members did not take action on the requests during the meeting but indicated they heard the comments and requested staff follow up on program availability and course scheduling.
The petition and public testimony illustrate community concern about advanced course equity and will likely be a follow-up item for staff and the board during summer planning.
