Students at a Lorain City Schools candidate forum asked why the district moved away from 90‑minute block classes and whether a longstanding policy that floors grades at 50 percent should remain.

A student wrote, “I missed the block schedule. Why did the district move away from the block or at least the hybrid schedule?” The question prompted multiple candidates to recommend data collection and engagement before making further changes.

Candidate Mark Ballard II said the district should “take surveys, look at data to see was it effective, was it not effective. What can we tweak? What can we change?” Coach Sergio, an audience participant, suggested giving staff time to adjust and reevaluating in a year or two.

Forum attendees also asked about a grading policy the moderator read aloud: “Current policy for years indicates no grade shall be below 50%.” Candidate Diamaris Rosario said she believes that policy “has done worse than better” and that it “has done some damage to our students.” Devon Marie Jeffers said she was not sure the policy change would be effective and emphasized supporting students academically rather than immediately reversing policy.

Students reported overcrowded study halls and packed lunch periods after schedule changes. Candidates proposed practical steps to address the problems: add course sections, offer summer school or extended‑day programs, use paraprofessionals and case managers to run small groups during study hall time, and survey students and teachers before committing to schedule changes.

No formal district decision or action on scheduling or grading was taken at the forum; the event collected candidate positions and audience feedback.