Chandler Unified School District faces backlash over proposed 8 section schedule

The Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) Governing Board convened on April 9, 2025, to discuss significant changes to the elementary special schedule, focusing on the proposed transition from a seven-section to an eight-section daily schedule. The meeting featured a series of public comments from educators and stakeholders, highlighting concerns about the feasibility and impact of the proposed schedule.

The session began with a presentation advocating for the seven-section schedule, emphasizing its practicality for maintaining essential arts, physical education, library, and technology classes. One educator expressed that the eight-section schedule would create inequities among teachers, particularly affecting special area teachers and fifth and sixth-grade instructors. The speaker argued that the proposed schedule would reduce valuable planning time and disrupt the educational experience for students, as it would eliminate necessary transition periods between classes.

Following this, another educator echoed similar sentiments, stating that the eight-section model would not only complicate logistics but also fail to provide equitable prep time for teachers. They pointed out that the current schedule allows for adequate preparation and transition, which is vital for effective teaching and student engagement.

Monique Bovey Landy, a general music teacher, passionately defended the seven-section schedule, citing its successful implementation at Riggs Elementary. She highlighted the importance of transition time for maintaining a calm and organized school environment, which is crucial for student learning and behavioral management. Landy also noted that special area classes contribute significantly to students' personal growth and school culture.

Katie Nash, representing a media specialist, raised concerns about the rushed environment created by the eight-section schedule, which would undermine the district's commitment to social-emotional learning. She emphasized the need for adequate preparation time to support effective teaching and student interactions.

Further comments from other educators reinforced the idea that the eight-section schedule would place an unreasonable burden on teachers and specialists, potentially compromising the quality of education. Many expressed a willingness to adapt to the seven-section schedule but urged the board to reconsider the eight-section proposal, citing the need for direct input from staff to avoid unintended consequences.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored a strong preference among educators for the seven-section schedule, with concerns about the eight-section model's feasibility and impact on teaching quality. The governing board is expected to take these insights into account as they move forward with scheduling decisions that affect the educational landscape of the Chandler Unified School District.