Show Low district to hold hearings on flexible instructional-time model; high school to add 30-minute tutoring block

District administrators presented an Instructional Time Model that consolidates required minutes into a flexible “bucket,” allowing tutoring and other interventions to count as instructional time rather than being added on top of the school day.

Administrator S12 summarized the change as a move away from strict per-course minute accounting toward a model that “gives us greater flexibility … to help us count tutoring as instructional time according to what the state defines as instructional time.” S5 confirmed the district will meet statutory hearing requirements and announced the first public hearing: “we're gonna hold a hearing at the district office from 5 to 6” on April 22; the second hearing will be held at the May board meeting with an early start to allow public input.

Administrators said the model will particularly benefit the high school: S12 noted the high school plans to add a 30-minute tutoring block Monday–Thursday next year that can be counted toward instructional minutes. The district will advertise the April 22 hearing and review questions and feedback at the May hearing before bringing any required action item back to the board for formal acceptance.

Board members asked about outreach and whether the model has been used in other districts. S12 said some teachers view the approach as additional work (noting required written summaries for portfolio cycles), while others said the model aligns with good teaching practice. The district invited public questions to be submitted in advance so they can be addressed during the hearings.