0:00At the center of the meeting was a detailed presentation on the proposed changes to the HBW middle school schedule, a topic that has been under development for nearly two years. The new schedule, set to be implemented in the 2025-2026 school year, intends to replace the traditional eight-period, 45-minute class structure with a six-period schedule featuring 55-minute classes. This change aims to increase instructional time in core content areas such as literacy and math, aligning with state recommendations for minimum instructional time. The principal’s presentation underscored the importance of maximizing current staff strengths and improving student wellness as primary goals of the new schedule.

18:30Specifically, the restructuring will introduce a rotating schedule for students, beginning with a shift in start time from 8:30 AM to 8:20 AM. This adjustment is designed to enhance daily contact time with teachers by an additional 10 minutes across various classes. The six-day cycle will ensure that no classes are dropped, providing consistent daily attendance for all subjects. An innovative aspect of the schedule is its focus on fifth grade, which will be organized to create a more elementary experience. Two teachers will specialize in literacy/social studies and math/science, closely monitoring a shared group of approximately 45 students. This structure aims to increase literacy and math instruction time, acknowledging a reduction in social studies time.

The board emphasized the potential benefits of the rotating schedule, particularly for fifth-grade students transitioning from elementary schools in other districts. This new format allows students to experience each class at different times of the day, mitigating issues for those who struggle with certain subjects if consistently scheduled at undesirable times. A dedicated fifth-grade counselor will also be introduced to support students’ transitions and serve as an anti-bullying specialist.

For grades six through eight, the rotating team model will not be implemented; however, opportunities for common planning time among content area teachers will be preserved to address academic, social, and emotional needs. Adjustments to world language offerings in seventh and eighth grades will result in smaller class sizes, fostering better student engagement and fluency.

35:18The restructuring also includes a focus on intervention strategies, with teachers expected to instruct four core subjects and an intervention section. This marks a shift from previous temporary solutions to a more structured approach. The WIN (What I Need) period will continue to support special education students, with ongoing development of support specifics to be discussed with parents.

18:30Professional development for staff will accompany the schedule changes, recognizing the need for thoughtful planning and execution as instructional time expands. Teacher adaptability will be critical, especially for those transitioning to a model requiring responsibility for multiple disciplines.

35:18In addition to the schedule overhaul, the board discussed other educational and administrative updates. The Splash Program, a Title I funded initiative for reading and math interventions, will return, while MAP testing is scheduled for grades one through four. The board also considered the need for panels exploring vocational opportunities, highlighting a desire to focus more on non-college career tracks.

51:20On the facilities front, updates included the completion of fencing at Landing Avenue School and HVAC repairs at Forest Avenue. Discussions also covered the status of high school projects such as the press box, lower field baseball bleachers, and turf, with plans to seek quotes for these improvements. Financial updates revealed that all teacher devices had been replaced, and new door access readers and security cameras were installed. The Food Service Request for Proposals (RFP) is progressing, and a retrofit upgrade of the high school’s external messaging board is underway.

The meeting also highlighted a generous $43,000 donation from the estate of Bruce Wans to the music program, prompting discussions on fund utilization. Updates to policies on electronic surveillance and student smoking were minimal, with the key change being restricted police access to surveillance footage. The board also reviewed a mandated attendance regulation from the state.