Subcommittee reviews major update to high school graduation requirements

The Policy and Management Subcommittee reviewed a lengthened CSBA policy that the staff says updates the district’s graduation requirements for high school students. The new policy replaces a short, decades‑old regulation and specifies course minimums and future required subjects.

"It gives which courses are required. So the students have to take 3 courses in English, 2 courses in math, 1 of them being algebra 1 or mathematics 1, and then 1 other additional math course," staff member Paula Chimerlake said while summarizing the document. Chimerlake also listed two science courses (biological and physical science), three social studies courses including U.S. history and geography, world history/culture/geography, one semester of American government and civics, and one semester of economics.

Chimerlake said the updated policy also anticipates a one‑semester ethnic studies requirement beginning in 2029–2030 (contingent on funding) and a standalone one‑semester personal finance course beginning in 2030–2031. Staff emphasized that high school counselors have been briefed and that the district will follow standard textbook adoption and curriculum review processes before any classroom changes.

The committee did not take a vote; Chimerlake said the policy will come to the full board for a first reading in April so that subcommittees can review implementation details beforehand.