The Alternative Press

CHATHAM, NJ – The School District of the Chatham’s Board of Education met in a regular meeting Monday night.

High School Principal Darren Groh presented proposed changes to the Program of Studies for next year.

For online courses, Educere is the vendor that students will use. The courses will fulfill credit requirements, and will be reflected on transcripts but will not be calculated in GPA in most cases.

Business courses will be taught with 21 Century Marketing. Digital Literacy will replace Computer Applications/Multimedia Application. The change takes into account that students enter with good skills. The course will also provide more education on proper uses of online media. Students will learn the consequences of the choices they make.

In World Languages, Level IV is an honors level; these will be pre-AP courses. The work has been on a par with an honors level but students were not getting honors credits; the level 4 course will remedy this. In Science, students will be prepared for both AP Physics tests.

The Parent Portal will allow parents will see which courses teachers recommend and select the student's electives. The portal will not replace a student’s meeting with their counselor; its mission is to enhance discussion of why children choose a particular course. These proposed changes were all approved.

Julie Patterson, director of School Counseling, presented the Annual Report of Graduates, Class of 2012. Some of the highlights:

• Of 287 graduates in 2012, 91 percent went on to a four- year college.
   
• SAT mean comparison scores show that Chatham High School scores were higher than those at the State or National Level. ACT composite score comparison among Chatham High school, State and National levels, show that students at the high school score higher.

In other business, a parent mentioned concern that students at the high school sit on the floor at lunch due to lack of seating. Superintendent Michael Lasusa said they don’t have the capacity to fit all students in the lunch room. The board will follow up with the Facilities Committee and Lasusa will follow up with Groh.

Another public comment concerned reduction of courses. Board Vice President Jill Critchley Weber said that no honors courses have been discussed for elimination. Another observer said there was inequality in the way money was being allocated to certain sports. Board President Tom Belding said that they are ensuring all students have equitable access to all resources.

The next meeting of the Board of Education will be Feb. 11.