CALHOUN SCHOOLS GET A LITTLE MONEY LIFT - Bonar Voices Thoughts About Eliminating Block Scheduling

(02/05/2008)

By Bob Weaver Last night the Calhoun Board of Education heard about a little help for rural counties provided by Senate Bill 541, which is allowing Calhoun to keep just over $50,000 in taxes annually for at least two years. Robert Morgenstern, (pictured left) an administrator for the Federation of West Virginia Teachers, said the local board could use the money to help teachers and school service personnel. He said the money could be used for salary supplements or to upgrade the dental plan. Morgenstern said the money is needed for salary competitiveness to attract and retain highly qualified personnel. Also appearing before the board was long-time educator Bob Bonar, (pictured right) who spoke about the negative impact of dropping block scheduling and going to an 8-period day. Bonar said "I've thought long about this and I needed to speak to you regarding how I feel." CMHS is dropping block scheduling this fall. Bonar recalled an earlier time using period scheduling, saying "It was a daunting experience to students and teachers," creating problems for low-performing students and classes that needed more time. "I believe block scheduling improves achievement," Bonar said, "I caution you about the problems that will happen when it is changed." Board President Lee Evans replied "We looked at achievement, and were told that going to period schedules will be an improvement," saying the recent performance audit indicates some teachers do not use their time effectively in block scheduling.

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