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Students deliver petition urging board to keep A/B block schedule
Summary
More than a dozen DelVal students told the district board they oppose a proposed move from the A/B 90‑minute block schedule to a rotating drop schedule, presenting a petition with 268 signatures and outlining impacts on athletics, AP classes, internships and lunch time.
A group of DelVal students packed the public‑comment portion of the Delaware Valley Regional High School District Board of Education meeting to urge the board to retain the current A/B block schedule rather than move to a proposed rotating drop schedule. Christian Wi, a sophomore and student‑council member, presented a petition signed by 268 of 317 freshmen and sophomores and asked the board to consider student voice in any scheduling decision.
Student speakers repeatedly argued that the longer 90‑minute blocks allow deeper instruction, make it feasible to complete labs and essays in one sitting, and help students balance athletics and extracurricular commitments. "This schedule will harm academic opportunities at DelVal, overwork students and teachers, fail to prepare students for college, and fail to foster a productive work environment," Christian Wi said as part of a longer statement presenting petition results.
Sophomore Margaret Kra said the block schedule mirrors college rhythms, giving students uninterrupted time for discussion, labs and extended writing. "Our current schedule gives students plentiful time to ask questions, participate in discussions, complete labs, work collaboratively, and have in‑depth discussion without being strained by time," she said. Other students, including Grace Crowy and Nolan Reynolds, raised concerns about shorter lunches under the drop model, saying reduced lunch time would cut into opportunities for teachers' help, club meetings and time to eat.
Several students emphasized the schedule’s role in allowing participation in multiple activities while maintaining academic performance. "With the block schedule, students have fewer classes each day, making workload more manageable and allowing them to focus more deeply on each subject," Grace Crowy said, citing national studies and school examples in her remarks.
Superintendent McKenna told speakers the district is at the beginning of the process and that no decision has been made; he said scheduling proposals have been researched as part of a strategic plan and that the district intends further outreach to students, families and staff. Board members said they appreciated student input and indicated additional presentations and listening sessions will precede any formal vote.
The board did not vote on the schedule change at the meeting; the administration said more information, including a formal presentation of the proposed plan and opportunities for stakeholder feedback, will be forthcoming.
