Pinellas superintendent announces move from 8-period block to 7-period day at four high schools; students, teachers and parents push back

Superintendent Hendrick told the Pinellas County School Board on Feb. 25 that four Pinellas County high schools will move from an eight-period block schedule to a traditional seven-period day for the 2025–26 school year, citing declining enrollment and financial pressure.

Hendrick said the shift means “students will go from 8 classes to 7 and that teachers who currently teach 6 out of 8 classes will teach 6 out of 7, which is consistent with our other high schools,” and that the change is intended to give students “access to classes 5 days a week instead of just 2 or 3 in the current model.” He told the board the district has already informed the affected schools and is continuing meetings with parents and staff.

The proposal drew sustained criticism during the public-comment portion of the meeting from students, parents and teachers who said the reduction in class time threatens hands-on coursework, magnet and…