Board reviews proposed shift to block schedule at Port Washington High School, asks about busing and teacher support

District staff presented a months‑long review of high‑school schedules and proposed a block schedule (AB/AB rotation with a 'skinny' day running all eight periods) that would add about 17 instructional minutes per day in this design, create four resource blocks per week for intervention/extension and provide more time for work‑based learning and dual‑credit opportunities.

Why the change: presenters said longer sustained blocks can allow deeper engagement, more consistent intervention opportunities and improved mental‑health outcomes by reducing the number of courses students juggle each day. They cited feedback from students and neighboring districts that use similar models and noted that local comparables often run block schedules on a rotation.

Board questions and logistical concerns: trustees asked whether the change would require altered bus schedules or affect after‑school jobs; administrators said elementary start times would not change but the high‑school end time would shift (example end time given at 2:55). The administration said they are discussing busing adjustments with the bus company, and noted possible middle‑school schedule tweaks to close gaps. The board also asked how teachers would be trained to keep students engaged for 90‑minute periods; administrators committed to multi‑month professional development and described plans for LBC credit opportunities to support staff learning.

Next steps: administration recommended returning to the board in December with a finalized schedule and a PD plan for the remainder of the year; trustees agreed to delay action until that follow‑up and to share draft materials publicly to solicit community feedback.