USD 383 Board of Education

Dec. 5, 2012
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Board members discussed varying options for the class schedule at MHS.  A task force had met several times with the charge to research scheduling options and to recommend three to the board.  The task force presented its three recommendations to the board, which included maintaining the current 7-hour schedule, a modified 7-hour schedule with block time, and a 6-hour schedule with an early "0 hour."  The current 7-hour schedule allows students to meet graduation requirements while having the opportunities to pursue elective courses.  The modified 7-hour schedule would have longer class periods on Wednesdays and Thursdays, which would allow for deeper discussions, more time for science labs and art projects, teacher collaboration, and student advisory time.  The 6-hour schedule with 0 hour would eliminate 0 hour on Wednesdays and replace it with student advisory time.  The 6-hour plus 0 hour schedule would allow for a reduction in staff, which would be a cost savings.  However, the availability of transportation for students to get to 0 hour was a concern.  Teachers and students who were surveyed preferred to maintain the current 7-hour schedule.  The item was for discussion only.