Trustees Approve New Computer Science Essentials Courses

Huntington School Board members gave unanimous approval to creation of two one semester, half-credit Computer Science Essentials courses to replace a full year course covering the same material. The courses will be offered during the 2026/27 school year.

“The foundational computer science course, Computer Science Essentials, will be revised to be presented in two half-year courses,” Assistant Superintendent Brenden Cusack told trustees during a public meeting in the Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School auditorium. “Computer Science Essentials I will address the New York State Computer Science and Digital Fluency Standards. Topics include digital literacy, careers in computer science, block and script coding and cybersecurity.”

The district’s Subject Matter Council approved the new courses on October 9 and the Educational Development Committee followed with its approval on October 16.

The new courses will be offered to students in grades 9-12. Enrollment in both is expected to total 250 students each.

“Computer Science Essentials II will continue to address the state standards,” Mr. Cusack said. “Topics for this course will include the history of computing, data representation, internet safety, script coding and artificial intelligence.”

Trustees voted 7-0 to approve the new courses. “Revising the coursework to be presented in half-year sections will allow for students to explore an array of electives in all disciplines while gaining valuable exposure to computer science foundational topics and skills. Computer Science Essentials II will allow students to continue to develop a deeper understanding of computer science, which may lead to advanced study in the field through coursework at Huntington High School and beyond.