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Students and parents urge board to keep block schedule; hundreds signed petition opposing switch to 1–6 day
Summary
Dozens of students and parents told the board a proposed shift from block scheduling to a 1–6 period day would harm athletics, CTE and students’ mental health; speakers said the district did not sufficiently consult students before proposing the change.
Dozens of students, parents and student leaders urged the Beverly Hills Unified School District Board of Education to retain the high school’s current block schedule, saying the proposed move to a traditional 1–6 period day would shorten class times, lengthen the day, remove office hours and disrupt athletics and career‑technical programs.
Lial Sabag, a Beverly Hills High School student, told the board the schedule change was being proposed without adequate student input and asked trustees not to decide “without us.” Other students echoed concerns that a later dismissal time (from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. under the proposed schedule) would force practices later into the evening and reduce time for homework, rest and family responsibilities.
Students and teachers said block scheduling allows longer labs, extended rehearsals and more time for project‑based learning in classes such as TV production, robotics, culinary, theater and performing arts. Speakers argued that shorter, daily periods would fragment learning and increase homework across more classes, and several described organized petitions: students reported more than 600 signatures opposing the change.
Trustees listened but did not take action on the schedule at the meeting; several board members said schedule changes were not a board item for tonight and noted the district is studying options. Trustees encouraged continued dialogue and asked staff to bring findings and broader community input back to the board if a formal proposal is advanced.
Ending: Students and parents said they will press the district for formal engagement before any schedule decision is made; the board signaled it will expect more student input on any future proposals regarding bell schedules.
