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Students and parents urge board to keep block scheduling at four magnet high schools
Summary
Students, parents and magnet program representatives said changes to move four high schools from block scheduling to seven‑period days would reduce course access, harm AP and arts programs and risk declining achievement and enrollment.
Multiple students, parents and program advocates told the Pinellas County School Board on March 20, 2025 they oppose proposed schedule changes that would move four high schools from block scheduling back to a seven‑period day.
Nut graf: Speakers — including students from the Pinellas County Center for the Arts (PCCA) at Gibbs and other magnet programs — said block scheduling provides longer class periods necessary for arts projects, Advanced Placement preparation and remediation; they warned reducing class time and cutting teachers would limit course access and could reverse recent academic gains at several schools.
Student speakers described practical harms: lengthy setup and breakdown times for arts and lab work, reduced time for AP practice and fewer electives. Several speakers cited specific schools that would be affected, including Boca Ciega, Gibbs, Lakewood and others; one student noted that St. Petersburg High retains block scheduling through IB funding, which the student contrasted with magnet funding differences.
Speakers said school communities have organized petitions and hold significant concern that staffing cuts tied to the schedule change would eliminate courses, force students into online or dual-enrollment alternatives, and reduce experiential learning opportunities. No board vote on scheduling took place at the March 20 meeting; speakers asked the board to reconsider or seek compromises.
Ending: Board members acknowledged the testimony; Superintendent Hendrick and staff did not announce a final schedule decision at the meeting and said budget and legislative developments will inform future conversations.
