The Darlington School Board approved a motion to increase the history/social science department from 70% to 100% at their last regular meeting held on Monday, Aug. 3.
    The increase in the department will enable the district to offer two sections of psychology, a new course at Darlington High School. In the past students were able to take psychology through distance learning or online classes, but this will be the first time a physical class will be held in Darlington.
    According to district administrator, Denise Wellnitz, Pat Reichling, one of the two social studies teachers at DHS, is currently completing classes to become a licensed teacher in the subject. 
    “The psychology class will be a year long program in general psychology. It will provide a broad overview of the field of psychology and allow us to dive deeper into certain areas of interest,” said Reichling. “We are going to be implementing an online textbook. This will allow the students to bring many forms of technology into the classroom. My goal is to create a program that will be student driven and help to prepare them for the next phase of their lives.”
    Reichling said he is excited to have the chance to introduce some of the multiple new classes to students at DHS.
    “In my opinion, Darlington has always worked hard to provide its students with as many classes as possible to help prepare them for the future,” said Reichling. “The staff and administration are working hard to continue adding classes to make sure our students continue to have new and exciting opportunities.”
    During the school board meeting, Wellnitz noted that these classes were highly requested by students in survey results.
    The financial impact of the increase of the department will be an approximately $6,000 increase, according to Wellnitz.