Board approves 2025–26 program of studies; engineering pathway staffing revised

The board approved the proposed 2025–26 program of studies after staff presented revisions intended to improve staffing flexibility in engineering courses.

Officials said the program removes a previous requirement that engineering teachers hold a master’s degree in engineering; the change allows teachers with a technology foundation endorsement to teach the course sequence and is intended to ease staffing shortages. Board members asked whether the classroom experience would differ between locally taught courses and PVCC’s online dual‑enrollment sections; staff said dual enrollment will continue to be offered online through PVCC and that differences in hands‑on, experiential elements are likely but not yet fully known.

Board members and staff emphasized that dual‑enrollment options remain in the program and that the division will continue efforts to recruit qualified instructors. The motion to approve the program passed by voice vote.