MHPS board votes 4-3 to not remove block scheduling

Block scheduling was the main topic of discussion at Thursday’s three hour Mountain Home Public School (MHPS) board meeting. A final vote decided for no changes to the current scheduling system but included a future look at the time teachers are given for planning.The beginning of the meeting saw 17 faculty members and students speak with all requesting the board not change the current block scheduling format. Arguments against changing the current schedule included less time for teachers for daily prep, more flexibility for students in classes in sports or band and an extra workload on students and educators being a consequence of shorter classes.
Block scheduling at Mountain Home has been in place for 25 years and is a system of organizing classes where instead of taking seven classes per day, students take four longer classes per day with alternating class days to create a full schedule.

During a lengthy board discussion the wording of the motion to reduce teacher planning time but keep the block scheduling was debated. Board members and faculty in attendance were concerned that reduced time for planning would have a negative impact on their ability to prepare. Some board members talked about proposed benefits of returning to a seven class a day schedule which included an additional 25 minutes of instruction per day.

The final vote on the proposal demonstrated how the board was split on the best direction for scheduling. With a vote of 4-3 the board approved Mrs. Dewey’s proposal to not change the junior high and high school daily schedule with an amendment to remove the word “reduction” from the recommendation. Voting in favor was board members Scott Booth, Brad Butler, Mollie Morgan and Jason Schmeski. Tommy Knight, Marsha Partney and Barbara Horton voted opposed. The vote keeps block scheduling in place with modifications to planning times for teachers to be determined in future planning meetings.

In other business the board approved a replacement for an air conditioner in the high school gymnasium. The board also approved budget items and a longevity bonus for 29+ year employees. The board approved a certified salary schedule for speech, and physical therapy positions to be submitted for potential inclusion in next year’s schedule.

During executive session the board approved the filling of a resigned position at Nelson Wilks Herron Elementary.

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