Junior-high staff propose new bell schedule and opt-in after-school "flex time"

Junior-high teachers presented a proposed bell-schedule change they said emerged from multi-year staff conversations and data showing higher discipline and fatigue on 7-period days. The presenters said the new plan creates more consistent start/end and meal times, increases block-lengths for deeper instruction and distributes seventh-period minutes across three days — a change they described as the "skinny 7." "We have way more discipline issues on our 7 period days. Kids are fatigued," the lead presenter said, arguing the new structure will provide more consistent lunchtime and reduce disruptive transitions.

Teachers described a proposed 30-minute, opt-in after-school "flex time" intended for tutoring, clubs and intervention. The presenters said flex time will start as opt-in and be tracked through an existing participation-points system; students would earn team points for attendance and prizes to encourage uptake. One teacher noted, "We're starting out with it's gonna be opt in... we're going to talk to kids about what they're interested in," and added the district will use PLC time and summer training to prepare staff and students.

Board members and attendees asked about participation and logistics; presenters said marketing and pilot rollout this summer will address uptake and that PLC time and cross-department collaboration will be used to monitor and adjust the plan. The presenters emphasized alignment benefits with the high school and elementary blocking and said that the staff expects to refine the approach quickly, while acknowledging implementation will take time.

Next steps: presenters outlined summer training and continued PLC work with principals; the board did not take a formal vote on the schedule during this meeting and asked staff to return with implementation details for future action.