Meeting will be staged at new student center and will cover
controversial subject
Gilroy – A recommendation to change the high school schedule – quite a controversial topic among staff, parents and students – will be presented to the board during tonight’s board meeting. To celebrate the completion of Gilroy High School’s new facility, the meeting will be held on campus in the brand-new student center.
Revamping the high school bell schedule has been an ongoing issue since last year after concerns were raised about the current two-hour blocks. A committee spent six months studying plausible alternatives and concluded that 90-minute classes are a better option.
The group also determined that students need the repetition of certain classes, such as math and foreign language, something they weren’t receiving under the current model. In March, the committee presented a new hybrid block schedule to the board wherein students attend six, hour-long classes Monday through Wednesday and three 100-minute classes on Thursdays and Fridays.
But some GHS employees weren’t happy with the revisions and Principal James Maxwell said he’d like to discuss alternatives with his staff before moving forward. Staffers decided on a schedule with a traditional six-period day on Monday and three blocks Tuesday through Friday.
During Thursday’s meeting, board members will also listen to an update on The Glen View Alliance, a five-year project dedicated to improving conditions in the west side neighborhood. The collaborative is just finishing up its first year of service.
In addition, the board will take action on the recommendation to establish a Graduation Requirements Task Force. If approved, the group would begin reviewing current graduation requirements in June and make possible changes throughout next school year.
