District outlines STEM Academy expansion, new courses and an RFP for a STEM facility study

At the start of the meeting the presenter reviewed a multi-part plan to expand STEM instruction across Regional School District 09, combining curriculum changes, new courses and a facilities study.

The presenter described a two-step approach: first, a facility and design study to develop a conceptual design for a STEM space; second, integrating online coursework and at least two new courses in each STEM area (computer science, engineering, and business/technology) into a STEM Academy pathway. The presenter said the district has about $70,000 remaining from prior facility allocations to support the proposed study and that a draft RFP will be considered by the full board on Feb. 25.

New course ideas cited included a second-semester human biology course, a data-science elective in mathematics, cyber-security modules, game design, and computer animation; the team also recommended textbook adoptions for AP Statistics, AP Physics and AP Psychology and described a textbook-adoption cycle aligned to curriculum writing.

The presenter emphasized alignment to the district's "portrait of a graduate," which highlights critical thinking, communication, reflection and creativity, and said professional learning and collaborative vetting will support consistent implementation across K-12.

The board discussed timing and how STEM capital projects relate to the district's broader capital plan; the presenter suggested the finance and operations subcommittee consider capital-plan links and potential sandbox scenarios before moving toward design and construction decisions.