Tamaqua Area’s Class of 2030 will be learning about personal finance as a required course for graduation.

The Tamaqua Area School Board’s Education Committee on Tuesday advanced the course for approval at next week’s board meeting.

Superintendent Ray Kinder said that personal finance, which was offered as an elective with limited slots, will replace computer applications as a required course.

High school Principal Tom McCabe said that in meeting with the business department, they agreed most students have a basic knowledge of computer applications when they come into high school.

“Personal finance will focus on budgeting, savings strategies, banking and crediting, management, checking and savings accounts, financial systems, investing principles and life finance,” according to McCabe.

“Starting with next year’s freshman class, they will be required to take this course, along with employability skills, as a graduation requirement,” he said. “We feel that will produce a more well-rounded student.”

The board committees also tentatively approved:

• An out-of-state trip for the Ski Club to Killington, Vermont, from March 6 to 8, and were made aware of an alternate one-day trip to New York, if the club needs to shift its plans.

• An agreement with Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank, Reading, as a host distribution site. The district has been doing this for a number of years, Kinder said.

• A district organizational chart, effective Aug. 27.

• Job descriptions for the director of secondary education, updated high school principal, assistant high school principal/athletic director, updated middle school principal, Tamaqua Elementary assistant principal/special education, and assistant athletic director.

• Homebound instruction for one middle school student, and early graduation for one 11th grade student.

• A participation agreement with PHEAA for the student teacher support program. Kinder said that student teachers are compensated for their time through the program, but the district has to participate.

• A three-year school photography contract at no cost to the district.

• Various bills totaling $1,804,284.77.