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Marlborough High School proposes accelerator pathway, biotech sequence and day alternative program
Summary
Principal Steve Sarpina previewed three proposed additions to the MHS program of studies: a 6–12 accelerator pathway intended to deepen content breadth, a Project Lead The Way biotech course sequence being pursued with grant support, and a daytime alternative‑education program; the committee tabled final program approval for later review.
Steve Sarpina, principal of Marlborough High School, presented three proposed program additions to the high‑school program of studies and forecasted next steps for the budget cycle.
Sarpina described an "accelerator pathway" intended as a 6–12 continuum that would opt students into a coherent sequence of deeper, skills‑based coursework across content areas. He said the pathway could allow eighth graders to take freshman high‑school courses for credit, creating on‑ and off‑ramps and scheduling adjustments to open later‑career opportunities such as additional AP or dual‑enrollment options.
On career pathways, Sarpina said student interest led administrators to pursue a Project Lead The Way (PLTW) biotech sequence. PLTW is a national nonprofit that provides project‑based curricula; Sarpina said the district is assembling a grant application to cover materials and professional development for a four‑course biomed sequence and has discussed partnerships with the Malborough Economic Development Corporation (MEEDC).
Sarpina also proposed converting the current night‑school alternative program into a daytime alternative‑education option staffed by current MHS teachers, with defined entrance criteria and the goal of reintegrating students into mainstream programming when appropriate.
Committee members asked about scope and logistics: whether the accelerator pathway would apply across subjects (administrators said yes, focused on depth rather than speed), how early cohorts or off‑ramps would be structured, implications for guidance counseling and scheduling, and teacher professional development needs for PLTW. Members urged clearer guidance‑counselor involvement in IEP and course selection meetings so families understand diploma implications for special‑education students taking "essentials" courses.
The committee did not finalize program‑of‑studies changes at the meeting; members voted to table the final vote and asked administrators to return with more details during the budget and program‑finalization timeline.
