Seguin High School proposes bell-schedule change to add fourth lunch, shorten passing time

Seguin High School Principal Alberto Munoz presented a proposed change to the high school bell schedule that would add a fourth lunch and reduce passing time from five minutes to four minutes to minimize split class periods and increase instructional continuity.

Munoz said the current schedule splits some classes around a student’s lunch, creating interruptions that make it harder to re-engage students. Under the proposal, first through third periods would remain 45 minutes; fourth- and fifth-period blocks would be reconfigured so a portion of students take a 30-minute lunch either immediately before or after a 45-minute class while others would have a longer uninterrupted class period (a 76-minute block) that includes announcements, social-emotional lessons and targeted interventions. Munoz said the change would also create time for targeted interventions required under House Bill 1416 without adding a separate flex period.

The proposed changes would reduce passing time by one minute; Munoz and other administrators walked key routes in the building and reported a 3.5-minute walk time between the furthest points. Munoz said teachers should know students’ schedules and exercise “grace” for students who have longer walks between classes. He acknowledged the plan is “ambitious” and said, referencing John Adams, “we can't guarantee success, but we can do something better. We can deserve it.”

Trustees asked about the length of time some students could go between meals; administrators noted elementary students sometimes eat late and that the district would monitor impacts on attendance and student welfare. The board did not vote on the bell schedule; Munoz said staff would continue planning and would brief teachers and administrators before the school year.