The Seaman USD 345 Board of Education voted to approve a proposed Seaman High School schedule for the 2025–26 school year that moves from an eight-block model toward a seven-period structure in the high school schedule.

School staff presented the proposal as a teacher-led plan intended to increase instructional time and provide longer advisory periods for targeted interventions. Mr. Jones, a district staff member who led the schedule committee's presentation, told the board a 13-member committee developed the plan after stakeholder engagement, site-council feedback and multiple staff discussions. The recommendation would provide longer class periods, a more consistent weekly schedule and an expanded advisory block intended for social-emotional learning and interventions.

Supporters told the board the change aims to reduce fragmented class time, cut student homework load tied to multiple short classes, and allow teachers to focus on instruction. “With fewer classes, departments can focus their resources and provide more intentional learning,” Mr. Jones said. Board members and staff also flagged workload and extracurricular impacts as discussion items.

Board members asked for data about early graduations and enrollment impacts. The administration provided historical early-graduation counts: 10 students in 2017–18, 12 the next year, a jump to 36 the first year after the district moved to eight sections, and about 40 in a recent year; the superintendent said last year roughly 56 seniors of roughly 300 opted for a shortened second semester. Those figures were used in debate about whether the schedule encourages early graduation or benefits students who need a modified senior year.

Trust in teacher-led design and anticipated gains in instructional focus were repeated by several board members. Some members cautioned that a reduction in the number of available elective slots could force students to choose between enduring programs such as band, which typically require continuous enrollment, and other electives.

After discussion, Board Member Adam Brindle moved to approve the Seaman High School 2025–26 schedule proposal; the motion was seconded and the board carried it. The board previously voted 5–2 at an earlier meeting to move the schedule from a discussion item to an action item for this meeting.

The administration said counselors will begin enrollment work immediately if the board confirms implementation, and that more detailed scheduling logistics — including lunch windows and the final advisory calendar — will be worked out with building administration and presented before implementation.

The board asked the administration to provide follow-up data on enrollment patterns and the effects on elective offerings and early graduations as the policy is implemented.

The schedule change takes effect for the 2025–26 school year pending routine administrative steps and counselor scheduling work.