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USD 415 Board Reverses Block Schedule Change

By Greg Bebermeyer

04/14/2014

(KNZA)-- The Hiawatha Board of Education has reversed a decision made last month to change to a 5 X 5 block schedule at the middle and high schools next school year.

The board took the action Monday evening after Superintendent Penny Hargrove told the board she was informed the schedule change has to go through the negotiation process with teachers.

As a result, the current 4 by 4 block schedule at the high school and traditional 7 period day at the middle school will remain in place for next school year.

Hargrove says the 5 x 5 block schedule is still something she would like to look at in the future. She says she believes it would allow students the opportunity to take more electives and for staff to be shared.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, two district patrons--Leah McPeak and Stacy Barnes--urged the board to reverse their decision last month to reduce the high school art position to part-time as part of nearly $162,000 in budget cuts approved for next school year. Both women said they believe the position should remain full-time, adding art education provides many benefits.

And following a closed-door session, the board accepted the resignation of high school instrumental music teacher and marching band sponsor Damian Johnson effective at the end of the current school year. Johnson has been with the district for 12 years. Hargrove was given permission to advertise to fill the position.

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