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District outlines 'Baker plan' to reshape middle‑school schedule, move band/choir out of 0‑hour
Summary
Administrators described a proposed 2026–27 middle‑school schedule to increase core instructional minutes, simplify encore blocks and shift band/choir from a 0‑hour start into regular encore rotation; 6th graders would be required to choose band or choir, and high‑school scheduling follow‑up is planned for January.
District administrators presented a proposed middle‑school scheduling change — labeled in discussion as the "Baker plan" — intended for the 2026–27 school year to increase core instructional time and simplify course rotations.
Under the plan, the district would reclaim roughly 35 minutes at the start of the day by removing band and choir from the 0‑hour and placing those courses into the encore rotation. Administrators said that change would increase equitable access to music for students who cannot attend an early 0‑hour and would allow 6th graders to be required to choose band or choir (replacing general music), while 7th and 8th graders could choose band, choir or computer electives.
Presenters said they had engaged impacted staff, held meetings with the Building Leadership Team and solicited input from teachers who would be affected. Board members asked about staffing, travel time for shared teachers and potential impacts on high‑school scheduling; administration said high‑school scheduling will be the subject of a January workshop to coordinate shared staffing and logistics.
No final action was taken; the presentation was informational and will continue through the workshop and subsequent meetings.
