New Pennridge School Board Reverses Controversial Curriculum Changes, Approves Block Scheduling

John Worthington | The Reporter•

In its first full board meeting, the new Pennridge School Board wasted no time undoing the controversial curriculum changes enacted by the previous board.

The changes fulfill multiple campaign promises of the board’s new Democratic majority, who swept the November elections on a wave of community outrage over the previous board’s unpopular policies, namely the elimination of the fourth high school social studies credit requirement and the hiring of the conservative Vermilion Education consulting firm to root out "bias” in the social studies curriculum.

At Monday’s meeting, the board voted 6-3 to restore the fourth high school social studies credit requirement for the class of 2028 and beyond. The change was coupled with a gradual increase in the total high school graduation credit requirements from 24 to 28 over the course of four years.

The decision was opposed by board members Jordan Blomgren, Ricki Chaikin and Bob Cormack, who argued that it restricts student choice. They specifically raised concerns about its impact on tech students.

"I get really concerned when we start to label 4 credits, 5 credits, 6 credits,” said Cormack. "We are here to provide them with a pathway so they can move to their desired goal. By having these credits that are demanded for each student… we should take a step back and think about how it’s gonna affect all of the students.”

"What about the kids who just really don’t like school, don’t do well at school, they know they’re not going to college. How does this affect work study?” asked Chaikin. "I just think there’s so many things we haven’t considered.”

But other board members contended that the decision still provides sufficient flexibility for students and stressed that exceptions will be made for students with scheduling conflicts. Others underscored the importance of preparing students for global citizenship and acquiring a broad range of knowledge and skills.

"What happens when that student is convinced they have a path and then they realize, I don’t want to do that path, but they’ve spent all that time following that single path, and we haven’t give them the skills they need to pivot to other types of learning?” asked board member Bradley Merkl-Gump. "We have a vested interest to make sure that every student that comes out of our school is well-rounded and has that general knowledge to go into many things.”

"I know you campaigned on it, but I’ve always believed in it,” added Kathy Scheid, assistant superintendent of secondary education. "It comes from what we believe is in the best interest of American citizens.”

The change also establishes a new scholar’s diploma to reward high-achieving students. To receive the diploma, students must take a total of 30 credits, hold a cumulative weighted GPA of at least 3.4, enroll in a minimum of three Advanced Placement (AP) or dual enrollment courses and receive at least a 3 on eligible AP exams. The diploma will apply to the class of 2028 and beyond.

The board also voted 6-3 to restore the ninth grade early American history course, which was replaced last year by a new civics, government and economics course written in collaboration with Vermilion Education. The decision was condemned by teachers for eliminating 19th century U.S. history instruction and containing age-inappropriate materials. The restored course includes an additional four weeks of instruction on the Age of Jefferson and the Native American Removal Act.

Additionally, the board voted 7-2 to implement block scheduling beginning in the 2024-2025 school year. Scheid said that the district has been studying the change for two years, assembling a committee of stakeholders, visiting other school districts, holding numerous meetings with extensive discussion, and formed a consensus on moving forward.

Under the new block schedule, students will take four courses each semester, with three 85-minute blocks and one 120-minute block. Students will also have a 25-minute flex period at the beginning of the school day. Board members noted that the change will open up additional course opportunities for students.

The board also approved hiring several new administrators, including Ernest Johnson as Director of Student Service/Title IX Compliance Officer at a salary of $165,000; Christine Tamburino as K-12 Science Supervisor at a salary of $140,768, and Michael Gurysh as K-12 Math Supervisor at a salary of $140,768.

The next Pennridge School Board meeting is on February 21 at 7 p.m. For more information, visit pennridge.org.

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