Doctor Gomez outlines 2025-26 bell schedule updates to enhance student learning time

The San Angelo Independent School District (SAISD) School Board meeting on May 19, 2025, focused on significant updates regarding bell schedules for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. Dr. Gomez presented a comprehensive overview of the changes aimed at enhancing instructional time and improving student outcomes across all grade levels.

The primary goal of the new bell schedules is to align instructional minutes to ensure equity and consistency in learning opportunities. Dr. Gomez emphasized that simply increasing time does not guarantee improved academic performance; rather, it is crucial to utilize that time effectively. The district aims to address the needs of students entering the system below grade level, particularly at the elementary level, which previously had the least instructional time.

For secondary schools, adjustments include minor increases in class periods, which can accumulate to nearly six additional days of instruction over the school year. The focus is on maximizing classroom time while minimizing travel time for students involved in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. The high school schedules have been carefully coordinated to ensure that students do not lose valuable instructional time during transitions between classes.

At the elementary level, the school day will now end ten minutes later, at 3:15 PM, allowing for additional intervention time and a more balanced curriculum that includes science and social studies. Dr. Self highlighted the importance of this extra time for teachers and students, noting that it will facilitate better support for various educational programs, including those for students with dyslexia.

Board members raised concerns about the impact of the new schedules on family logistics, particularly regarding pickup times for students at different school levels. Dr. Gomez reassured attendees that transportation schedules have been adjusted to accommodate the changes without causing delays.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to monitor the effectiveness of the new schedules and ensure that the additional time is used to enhance teaching and learning. The board expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of various departments in implementing these changes, which are designed to prioritize student achievement and well-being.