Geary County talks 60-minute schedule for Karnes alternative program, teachers push back on lost planning time

Negotiators for Geary County Schools and teacher representatives debated a proposal to change the Karnes Building alternative program to 60-minute class periods that would shift and reduce teacher planning time as part of ongoing contract talks. The two sides paused negotiations and agreed to form a committee to collect data and revisit a counterproposal in July.

The discussion centered on a district proposal to move Karnes to a 60-minute-period schedule and the bargaining unit’s objection that the change would cut planning time during the student contact day. "We're asking you to give 30 minutes back to kids because it's best for kids," said Speaker 3, Participant, arguing the shorter class length would yield more frequent instruction better suited to alternative students. Administration representatives countered that increasing planning time during the student contact day would reduce the amount of time students spend with a qualified, trained educator.

Why it matters: teachers said the…