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Holliston School Committee votes to implement AB schedule at high school
Summary
On Feb. 27 the Holliston School Committee voted 6–1 to implement an AB (alternating-day) version of the district's existing block schedule at Holliston High School, directing the superintendent to begin implementation while reserving bargaining rights.
The Holliston School Committee voted 6'0 to 1 on Feb. 27 to ask the superintendent to implement an AB (alternating-day) version of the district's current block schedule at Holliston High School, subject to any required bargaining obligations.
Committee members framed the move as a targeted change intended to preserve the district's current course offerings while giving many classes yearlong continuity. Supporters said the AB implementation would make yearlong electives such as band and chorus easier to schedule and give students more continuous access to courses that now run as single-term blocks.
The motion instructed Superintendent Dr. Kressler (name as stated in the meeting) to proceed with an AB implementation of the high school schedule. The motion text recorded in the meeting was: “Ask Dr. Kressler to implement an AB model at the high school with the current Holliston High School schedule, subject to any bargaining obligations.” The committee recorded the outcome as approved, 6 in favor and 1 opposed.
Supporters said the AB arrangement is an iteration of the existing schedule rather than a full redesign. In committee discussion members pointed to three practical benefits: (1) yearlong access for electives and music programs that currently meet during daily support blocks, (2) improved continuity for yearlong academic subjects, and (3) clearer placement of student-support sessions. Members acknowledged the AB model preserves the current block length (about 81 minutes) and therefore does not address concerns about long single-class periods.
Opponents and some community commenters cautioned the change is only a partial fix. Committee members and speakers raised implementation questions including how the change will affect Advanced Placement course sequencing, how instructional materials and consumables will be budgeted, and how the district will communicate the change to families and staff. The committee asked the superintendent and principals to provide an implementation and communications plan and to identify any capital or one-time supply costs before the change takes effect.
Next steps: the superintendent will prepare a rollout plan and an inventory of materials or capital needs tied to yearlong course offerings, and will report back to the committee to allow follow-up conversation and, if needed, bargaining with employee groups.
