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Board approves LC Allen’s 4x4 instructional calendar; district says change saves staff costs and expands pathways
Summary
Trustees approved an MOU allowing Elsie Allen (LC Allen) High School to adopt a 4x4 block schedule for 2025–26; district and school leaders said the schedule reduces staffing needs and will be reviewed for cost and student‑outcome effectiveness after one year.
The Santa Rosa Board of Education on June 11 approved a negotiated memorandum of understanding allowing LC Allen High School to move to a 4x4 block schedule for the 2025–26 school year.
Doctor Vicky Zanz (Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources) and LC Allen staff explained the schedule change. According to the presentation, moving from a 7‑period day to a 6‑period model had earlier generated savings; LC Allen now plans a 4x4 schedule that staff said will allow students to take four year‑long courses each semester and increase opportunities for CTE pathways, dual enrollment and internships.
Casey Cunningham, LC Allen administrator, described the pedagogical intent: longer block periods enable more intensive, pathway‑oriented instruction, opportunities for dual enrollment with Sonoma State or Santa Rosa Junior College and internship periods for seniors. Cunningham said the schedule “allows students to gain more opportunities to meet the graduation requirements” while preserving support classes and expanding electives.
Doctor Zanz told the board the 4x4 schedule reduces LC Allen’s staffing by three full‑time equivalents compared with a six‑period day, which district staff estimated would save “about almost $400,000.” She also noted that the earlier change from seven to six periods had produced roughly $1,000,000 in savings; together staff described these as part of the site’s cost‑reduction measures.
The MOU sets a one‑year implementation window and requires a fiscal and program review at the end of the 2025–26 year. Trustees asked for clearly defined evaluation metrics; LC Allen leaders said they would track attendance, course pass rates and engagement and supply a fiscal reconciliation demonstrating the model does not cost more than a six‑period day. The board approved the MOU by a roll‑call vote: Trustee De La Torre — Aye; Trustee Kirby — Aye; Trustee Jenkins — Aye; Vice President Casten — Aye. The MOU expires June 30, 2026, unless renewed by mutual agreement.
Trustees and staff said the district will consider whether the model should be shared with other high school sites after LC Allen completes its one‑year review.
