Segal High School requested board authorization to begin the Cambridge international program, a pre-K–12 pathway that culminates in advanced-level courses and potential college credit. District staff explained Cambridge’s scope and said the program aligns with Tennessee accountability measures (TISA) and could expand advanced-course access.

Board members raised concerns about program overlap. One board member noted a prior board decision to limit competition with the International Baccalaureate program at Oakland High School; others said district growth changes that precedent and argued expanding access is beneficial. “I don’t think one program is going to hurt another school,” the chair said during the discussion, adding that parents want advanced options closer to home.

Members asked staff to provide more detail on implementation costs, local accreditation differences and how Cambridge would affect existing programs (IB, dual-enrollment and Blackman Collegiate Academy). Staff committed to bringing cost estimates and implementation details at the next meeting; no authorization vote was recorded on Nov. 18.