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Board declines immediate return to 7‑block schedule after heated public comments
Summary
After more than an hour of public comment and board debate, a motion to keep the 7‑block A/B high‑school schedule for one more year failed (4–4–1), leaving the district’s proposed flexible schedule intact for now.
The Stamford Public Schools Board of Education considered and rejected a motion May 27 to return high schools to a 7‑block A/B schedule for one more year.
Board member Dr. Hammond moved to suspend the rules and vote to stay with the 7‑block A/B schedule for an additional year, citing concerns about rushed implementation, scheduling errors and special‑education transitions. Dr. Hammond argued the board could phase in special‑education administrators and revise the budget to support a return.
Parents and teachers had filled the public comment period with objections to the flexible semester schedule, arguing the change would create instructional gaps and harm students. One parent said, “I have not seen a single parent or teacher ... in favor of the schedule change since this issue was raised,” urging the board to preserve existing structures for student success.
Board members debated legal authority and practical implications. Some members said the board can direct the superintendent to reconsider the schedule; others cautioned that the superintendent retains authority to administer schedules and that abrupt reversals could disrupt seniors’ graduation plans and students’ course selections.
After extended discussion and a call to end debate, the board voted on Dr. Hammond’s motion. The clerk announced four votes in favor, four opposed and one abstention; the motion therefore failed and the district’s planned flexible schedule will remain in place pending further review and any future board action.
Board members and speakers urged continued engagement: some asked for a clearer implementation plan, additional data that informed the schedule, and protections for students with special circumstances.
No immediate personnel decisions were made during the vote; several board members said they would pursue further budget and program analysis to address the concerns raised.
