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Healdsburg Unified previews dual‑enrollment MOU with Sonoma State to offer CSU credit on high school campus
Summary
District staff presented a draft MOU with Sonoma State University to allow students to earn SSU credit for AP courses taught at the high school; SSU and district leaders said the program aims to expand college access while keeping costs low for families.
District staff and a Sonoma State representative described a proposed articulation and dual-enrollment agreement that would let Healdsburg students earn Sonoma State University credit for certain Advanced Placement courses taught by qualified high‑school instructors on the high‑school campus.
Erin, the staff lead presenting the item, said Sonoma State will enroll students and that the district will cover most costs; "This will be at 0 cost to our students and their families," the presenter said. The first courses targeted for launch in the 2025–26 school year are AP Environmental Science (articulated with SSU’s Global Environmental Systems course) and AP Chemistry (SSU Chemistry 115A). District staff said students would be dual enrolled and receive both high‑school AP markings and a Sonoma State transcript record.
Dr. Stacy Bostic, Sonoma State associate vice president for academic affairs, told the board the partnership is intended to reduce barriers to college credit and to provide an on‑campus experience for students who might not otherwise afford AP exam fees or online alternatives. "This opportunity will be better for some of our students and help to ensure that pathway to college," Bostic said, highlighting equity and local retention of students.
Trustees asked technical questions about faculty qualifications and continuity if a teacher leaves mid‑term. Staff said SSU reviews high‑school faculty credentials and that the MOU language allows SSU to confirm instructor qualifications; the MOU is structured as a district‑level partnership that can be implemented course by course depending on faculty qualifications. Trustees also asked about stipends; the presenter said existing stipend language for advanced degrees exists in the bargaining agreement and SSU will look for grant and professional‑development supports rather than promise district salary changes.
The item was discussed at length as a discussion item; the board indicated support and staff said the MOU would be placed for approval at the January meeting so students can be informed before late‑January course signups.
