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Six-Period School Day Approved
Pope County Tribune - Starbuck Times
Written by Zach Anderson - Starbuck Times New Editor   
Thursday, 14 May 2009 07:41


Because some of the sections of those advanced classes will be cut, seven tenured teachers may lose their full-time teaching status: Susan Fossen, Michael Troen, Bonnie Stueven, Pam Mathiason, Nancy Loen, Rhonda Johnson and Tracy Beyer have been placed on Proposed Unrequested Leave of Absence for next school year.

Superintendent Greg Ohl said it is the district's intent to hire these teachers back in the fall, but it may be in a less than full-time position.

The six-period school day will still run from 8:10 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. However, rather than the current school day that includes seven, 51-minute classes, students will attend in six, 60-minute classes each day.

The six period school day only effects the high school; elementary and junior high students are not included in the switch.

Considering trimesters

During Thursday's special meeting, school board member Jim Peters asked that a trimester system - three, three-month semesters - be considered. He said the Anoka-Hennepin school district runs this schedule and it may open more options for students who want to take more electives like agri-science, industrial technology, business and art.

Board member Karen Holte said there's need for more public input and she inquired about setting up a task force that included community members and students to explore the six period day.

Board member Lonnie Hoffman said the board and school administrators are open to suggestions along the way, but said special interests may bog down the process.

Ohl said with the school board's approval of the six period day, principals, counselors and others could then generate some sample schedules and see what conflicts may still exist for students.

"I appreciate public input, but at some point you have to let the people who do it, do it," Ohl said.

Board member Julie Gaffany made the motion to approve the six period school day and said, "The bottom line is, money has to be cut and we're not going to make people happy all the time. With the six period day we lose the most and we retain the most while still making cuts. I move that we approve the six period day with the intent to look into trimesters."

Any questions about the new schedule may be sent to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The board is scheduled to next meet on Tuesday, May 19, at 7 p.m. in the school district board room.