Shakopee board approves shift from 10-day to 4-day elementary specialist rotation; band to be retained

SHakopee Public Schools school board voted Monday night to change the district's elementary specialist rotation from a 10-day cycle to a 4-day cycle and to pull full band instruction out of the specialist rotation while district staff, band teachers and principals design a system to retain a full band experience.

Board members voted on amended language that directs a study group of band teachers, principals and LTE staff to "develop a system which retains full band and no longer adversely impacts the class sizes in other specialist areas." The vote on the amended motion was 4 in favor and 2 opposed.

The change was presented by district elementary leaders as a response to scheduling and staffing difficulties under the 10-day rotation, including long travel times for specialists, large class rosters and limited contact with students. The presenting team told the board they spent months reviewing neighboring districts and internal operations before recommending the 4-day model.

"Having more physical education time allotted is vital and is best for our students," said Jill Nelson, an elementary physical education teacher who addressed the board during public comment. Nelson, who said she represents the elementary PE department and has worked in the district 17 years, urged the board to reconsider reductions to gym time and to follow CDC guidance on weekly activity minutes.

Band…