Holliston School Committee ratifies new high school schedule 6-1 amid teacher and student concerns

Holliston — The Holliston School Committee ratified, by roll call vote 6–1, a new high school schedule proposed by a scheduling subcommittee, moving the high school away from its longtime block model toward an eight-course rotation with a daily "X-block" intended for targeted interventions, performing arts and directed study.

The committee ratified the schedule put forward by the high school scheduling subcommittee that was sent to members on Dec. 30, 2024; the motion passed 6–1. Committee members who voted in favor were Frank (yes), Sarah (yes), Hillary (yes), Joe (yes), Dawn (yes) and Dan (yes); Cynthia voted no. The committee chair noted that the Holliston Federation of Teachers had not ratified the schedule as of the vote and that ratification by the committee does not, by itself, put the schedule into effect if the union withholds approval.

Why it matters: District leaders said the proposal addresses equity audit and NEASC recommendations calling for better access to performing arts, continuity in language study, increased opportunities for directed study, and more consistent intervention time. Supporters argued the design keeps students in eight courses and creates a structured X-block so students sign up for assigned locations rather than having an unsupervised free period.

Principal David List, presenting the schedule to the…