By Mari Radtke
Following the special meeting formalities to open contract negotiations between the district and the teachers’ union (education association), the board heard a presentation made by Ashley Bonner, 7-12 Guidance Counselor.
Bonner reported that she had been comparing graduation requirements of area school districts. She said the average of the dozen or so schools from where she collected information reached an average of 49.2 credit hours required for graduation. South O’Brien currently requires 45.
Bonner proposed amending the requirement at South O’Brien from the current 45 to 49. The change would first affect this year’s 8th grade class or the class of 2026. The additional 4 credits to be earned over the 4-year high school career would be an additional 1 credit in both Fine Arts and the Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. The remaining 2 are to be electives. The board had some brief discussion about a foreign language requirement that South O’Brien does not currently have.
Bonner went on to remind the board that the mission of South O’Brien is to prepare the students to be lifelong learners. She said, “Increasing credits aligns perfectly with our Motto & Vision.”