The Tamalpais Union High School District (TUHSD) Board of Trustees’ meeting on Jan. 25 discussed the potential addition of the Advanced Placement (AP) World History course, the current deferred maintenance and Capital Facilities Projects Plan, and updated COVID-19 guidelines. Approval for the AP World History course will be voted on by the board on Feb. 1.

“We feel [adding AP World History] aligns with the district equity work we’ve been doing over the last five years. By adopting a curriculum that encompasses every continent in a multitude of different societies, students will be better able to make global connections and become thoughtful, more culturally sensitive, global citizens,” Redwood High School Social Issues teacher Ted Brown said. 

The new AP World History course would be offered as an alternative to the 10th grade history course at Redwood, and an elective at the other schools within TUHSD. The course has recently been redesigned to follow California state standards. 

“[AP European History to AP World History] switches the focus in a more even-handed and equitable way, where you’re looking at the developments of modern history from the perspectives of different cultures,” Brown said. 

TUHSD Superintendent Dr. Tara Taupier gave an update on the Marin Public Health Department’s 32-point plan, which will now be in accordance with the California Department of Public Health. The changes include crowds of 500 or less being allowed to attend all school events without proof of vaccination or negative test status.  

“We will follow Public Health’s recommendations because they are the experts and epidemiologists, and we are not. We are following their guidance, and their guidance has served us well thus far,” Taupier said. 

Additionally, David O’Connor, director of Maintenance Operations, presented on the budgeting and maintenance work of TUHSD schools. O’Connor discussed the need to resurface Tam’s tennis courts ($75,000), CTE theater lighting ($25,000), and Reznor Evaporative Cooling Systems throughout classrooms ($55,000).

Capital Outlay Projects, which are used to improve and build physical facilities, included re-touching Tam’s football field in 2026, Tam’s baseball field in 2027, and Tam’s pool plaster in 2023, which would cost $752,369, $210,252, and $460,000, respectively. Additionally, the plan includes updating copiers and furniture during this school year across the entire district. 

“This is where we’re looking at items that we believe might need replacement, we may suspend items that are possibly going to fail, there are areas that need to be rejuvenated,” O’Connor said. “These pools and these fields that we may replace are about 12 to 14 years old.”

O’Connor added that timelines regarding the Capital Outlay Project can be adjusted depending on urgency.

If interested in discussing the updates presented by the Board of Trustees, students can attend the next meeting on Feb. 1.