The WTHS Board of Education had a broadcast board meeting on October 21st. The goal was to discuss the possibility of a new mandatory class for freshmen. Recent statistics gathered from surveys taken by WTHS students have shown the lack of interest to excel in school. The school board has taken this heavily into consideration and came to the conclusion that a mandatory class for freshmen is the best option. This class would teach incoming freshmen about college requirements, how to function in high school, how to stay on top of grades and clubs, and how to gain success in all aspects of high school. 

The Warren community has expressed grave concerns about this requirement. It will take away an entire period for freshmen which will heavily affect every other year of high school. Because of this, they have also proposed the possibility of eliminating the requirements for World History and Biology to accommodate those who do not wish to prioritize those paths. If they choose to add this class, it may jeopardize those taking government and economic classes in sophomore year; so, they would have to add extra summer school classes and possibly eliminate AP Government as a whole.

Parents expressed strong feelings against this mandatory class. Points like, cost of summer school, incorrect data and stats from colleges, this class being a “burden” rather than a help, this only affecting “20%” of Warren students, and not preparing students for college appropriately. Many parents were able to speak up in front of the board as well as the audience. Many had extremely well written speeches and even had enough to exceed the allotted time given.

Actual Warren staff volunteered to talk at this meeting and they also were very concerned. They found many flaws in the system that could affect their own classes and jobs. They also expressed how this change would take away what they fought for with the 2022 referendum (the eight period schedule).

The ultimate outcome of the meeting was to push off making official decisions until they gain more feedback from Warren students as well as the community. So, for now the answer is no; but, if it directly affects you, make sure to get your word out there and contact the school board with comments and questions by November.