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Sultan High staff propose 4x4 block schedule; board asked to decide in January
Summary
Sultan High School presented a proposal to move to a 4x4 block schedule that would lengthen class periods to roughly 80–82 minutes, require roughly three additional full‑time staff positions and PowerSchool scheduling support, and expand credit opportunities; the school asked the board to hold a January workshop and vote.
Sultan High School staff presented a plan to shift the high school to a 4x4 block schedule that would replace the current seven‑period day with four longer class periods and a daily intervention block, saying the model would let students earn more credits and give teachers extended time for hands‑on instruction.
The school’s principal told the board the proposal rests on committee work and follow‑up research and that staff “have the data that backs it up,” and staff outlined two draft master schedules that both require adding about three full‑time equivalent positions (including a special education teacher) to operate the model and preserve existing SBO programming. The presentation stressed that some CTE and specialized programs will need careful planning to keep multi‑year pathways intact.
Student surveys informed the presentation: staff reported more than 300 student responses and roughly 595 individual questions, with the largest student concerns about how credits would transfer, class lengths, lunch and break times and how prolonged periods would affect attention. A student who identified herself as a senior said the longer period “would be a benefit” for classes that currently feel rushed; teaching staff and board members noted that student experiences will vary.
Staff said professional development and schedule software are needed to make the change. Presenters recommended purchasing PowerSchool schedule‑building services to import the master schedule and verify seat counts and student preferences; staff said PowerSchool previously built multiple schedule scenarios and could import the district’s Excel models quickly. The district asked for a decision timeline: presenters requested a workshop in January and a January business‑meeting vote so counselors could complete course offerings and registration for next year.
Board members asked for cost estimates, negotiation‑impacted contract language (noting prep/PLC time in the certificated contract), and information on how the change would affect students in running start, CTE pathways and special programs. The superintendent and staff said they will compile additional financial details, clarifications on whether the three additional FTEs are incremental or include redeploying current SBO staff, and answers to board questions ahead of a January study session.
The board did not take a final vote on the schedule at the meeting; staff and the board agreed to collect questions, hold a study‑session workshop in January, and prepare for a vote at the January board meeting if unanswered items are resolved.
