Teachers and specialists urge board to reject proposed 8‑section elementary specials schedule; planning session set for April 11

Multiple Chandler Unified School District teachers and media specialists warned the governing board that a proposed 8‑section elementary special‑area schedule would undermine instruction, reduce planning time and remove transition buffers that teachers say are essential for safe and effective classes.

Speakers at the April 9 public‑comment period described logistical problems they said would occur if the district adopted an eight‑period day for specials. Cameron Estrella, general music teacher and choir director at Riggs Elementary School, said an 8‑section model is not feasible because "the math does not work for a 320 minute specials teaching schedule with a 390 minute school day." Estrella urged the board to adopt a 7‑section plan instead, arguing that with an 8‑section layout "there are no transition times between classes" and that teachers would not have time to set up instruments and materials.

Other commenters said the proposal would reduce equitable access to specials. At least five speakers called attention to impacts on music, physical education, library and technology classes. Monika Bovey Landy, a general music teacher at Fulton Elementary School, told the board that the 7‑section schedule "is rooted in best practice" and highlighted the value of a five‑minute buffer between classes, saying the buffer "allows students to transition calmly between activities" and gives teachers time to prepare for the next lesson. A media specialist whose comments were read by Katie Nash warned that the back‑to‑back schedule would limit "our ability to properly greet students and provide a calm structured dismissal," and would impede project‑based learning that requires prep time.

Speakers also raised equity concerns for upper elementary grades: several commenters said that under the 8‑section proposal fifth‑ and sixth‑grade special‑area periods would remain at 30 minutes while other grades had 40‑minute periods, creating unequal instructional time and shrinking teachers’ planning periods. Kirk (identified as representing CT Liberty) said that on paper the 7‑ and 8‑section options may "appear to provide equitable prep time, but it doesn't," citing differences across school sizes.

Board President Pat Pate Serrano responded to speakers' questions about timing and process, clarifying that there was no presentation on the special schedule at the April 9 meeting and that "there will be no action taken or voting during tonight's regular governing board meeting." She also confirmed the district will present the proposed special schedule during a planning session posted for Friday, April 11; she said that presentation will be for review and discussion only and that no formal action will be taken at that session.

The comments reflect consistent concerns across music, media, library and physical education staff about (1) lost transition time, (2) reduced collaborative planning, and (3) the logistical difficulty of preparing materials and equipment for back‑to‑back classes. Multiple commenters emphasized that specials teachers coordinate extracurricular and school‑wide events—performances, ceremonies and student programs—that require additional preparation time not captured by a simplified schedule model.

The board did not take action on the proposed schedule at the April 9 meeting. President Serrano directed that the district present the planning materials at the April 11 planning session; board members and staff indicated they expect to continue reviewing the proposal with staff input.

Speakers quoted in this article spoke during the public comment portion of the April 9 meeting; the board’s planning session on the proposed special schedule is posted for April 11. The board did not vote on the schedule at the April 9 meeting.