Parents and students press board over rotating AB secondary schedule; district says it is working on fixes

A public commenter and student representative urged the Cecil County Board of Education on Dec. 10 to reconsider the district’s year‑long AB rotating secondary schedule, saying the rotating Wednesday format has produced uneven class progression and planning difficulties for staff and students.

Wenner Jackson, who spoke during public participation, said his own survey indicated strong opposition to the schedule and argued that "the rotating Wednesday has caused many problems for our staff and our students," citing reduced engagement and planning challenges for Advanced Placement classes (SEG 1869–1876, SEG 1888–1896). He asked the board to consider returning to a single alternating AB schedule or moving to semester courses.

District staff responded that the year‑long AB schedule was adopted to accommodate the School of Technology, support apprenticeships and enable students to pursue dual‑enrollment courses with consistent weekday timing. Staff explained that locking A and B days to particular weekdays helps students who have internships or college classes and said principals and Dr. Foy (district leadership) are in active communication to address Wednesday rotation issues (SEG 2015–2026, SEG 2039–2046). Staff indicated they believe they have a solution and will continue to work with principals and stakeholders to make adjustments where possible.

No formal action was taken at the meeting; staff said they will keep communicating with principals and consider schedule tweaks.