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LAUREL – Laurel-Concord- Coleridge high school students may only be required to take three years of social studies instead of four, freeing up two semesters to take electives.
The LCC School Board is discussing the potential change after recommendations from administrators and its curriculum committee.
A vote may be up for consideration in April or May, said Superintendent Jeremy Christiansen.
Additionally, the board is also discussing making American History and U.S. Government courses part of high school graduation requirements.
“The board believes that American History and U.S. Government are essential for preparing students to be informed, engaged citizens,” Christiansen said after the meeting. “ History provides context for our nation’s past, while government teaches how our democracy functions today. Together, they empower students to think critically and participate in civic life.”
Two new classes at the high school level were also discussed including Modern Problems/Current Events, which is in the Social Studies focus of study. The course will provide students an opportunity to discuss, understand and explore local, national, political, economic and social problems in a meaningful way with a focus on civic participation in the democratic process.
The other, Information Technology Applications I, a Computer Science course, will be an introductory course and cover digital citizenship, professional communication practices, advance document processing, professional presentations, database and spreadsheet applications.
Keyboarding may be added into the curriculum at the elementary level for third, fourth and fifth grades.
No curriculum updates were discussed middle school students. The students in grades 6-8 are exposed to an exploratory sequence of courses including Keyboarding, MakerSpace, Art, Digital Media, Family Consumer Sciences, Financial Literarcy/Careers, Ag, Industrial Tech and Spanish.
At its regular meeting last week, the board also discussed work-based learning opportunities for students.
A planned expansion of LCC’s partnership with Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) has been put on hold for now with a funding freeze directed by President Donald Trump.
JAG is an elective that provides professional and technical education, aligning with the Nebraska Career and Technical Education (CTE) initiative to help students explore careers, identify interests and develop skills for successful entrance into Nebraska’s workforce.
Administrators are exploring Career Connections in STEM Beyond School Bells program from Nebraska Children and Families Foundation to supplement expanded learning opportunities.
LCC also allows students to participate in work release and Intern Nebraska programs.
The goal is for the work release program to evolve and grow into a for-credit work-based learning model, Christiansen said.
LCC has provided for work-based learning opportunities for a number of years and participation varies by semester, anywhere from one or two students to 10 or 11 students at a time.
“Work-based learning and work release experiences give high school students real-world skills, career exposure, and hands-on learning that can’t be taught in a classroom,” Christiansen said. “These opportunities help students build responsibility, develop professional skills, and explore career paths, better preparing them for success after graduation.”
Along with potential changes in coursework and work-based learning, the LCC teacher and staff roster will undergo a transformation.
At its meeting last week, the board accepted the resignations of Diane Hanel, high school principal; and Marcus Messersmith, technology coordinator; and approved contracts for incoming teachers Allison Claussen, 7-12 Agriculture; Emily Duerst, 7-12 Spanish, and Bryce Holcomb, 9-12 Business.
At its last meeting, the school board also approved a $15,837 estimate to replace the kitchen air conditioning at the middle school campus in Coleridge. Johnson Controls, Sioux Falls, S.D., was awarded the work.
The board did not take action on an estimate of $386,000 to replace the HVAC system in the school’s Legacy Gym.
“The system is over 30 years old and is no longer a functioning unit,” Christiansen said. “Additionally, when assessed for repair or replacement, it was determined to have issues with condensation and inadequate drains that could result in mold concerns.”
The board is awaiting updated information on the potential project before moving forward.
The board also approved a contract with Educational Services Unit 1, Wakefield, for special education services in the amount of $142,000.
