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Story Archives: Block schedule out for 2008-09 school year


Block schedule out for 2008-09 school year
by Katie Norwood - posted Tuesday, March 11th, 2008 @ 2:03 pmE-mail Story E-mail Story | Print Story Print Story 
In a 5-1 decision reached by members of the Franklin Parish School Board, the seven-period day will replace the block schedule at Franklin Parish High School for the 2008-09 school year. Board member Louise Johnson was not present for the vote at the meeting Tuesday night.

"I'm not that familiar with the block schedule," said board member Tim Eubanks. "I called some teachers and spoke to some students before making my decision and they like the block schedule, so I'm going to support it as well."

Several teachers addressed the board with concerns regarding the seven period class schedule.

"I have taught school for 38 years, and there are so many ways that the block schedule can be affective," said FPHS teacher Ginger Sturdivant, "I wish the board would reconsider."

"When this discussion came up last year, the main question was which schools are performing well and whose test scores are getting higher," said board member Richie Kelly, "those qualities are indicative of a good education and we want that for the students of this parish. I didn't like seven class periods when I was in school, but education-wise, I think it's the best thing for the students."

"It may be easier for the teacher to have only two or three classes a day to plan for, but we're only asking them to teach from eight to three, whether it be on block or seven period day," said Johnson.

Other calendar changes voted on by the board included the elimination of the fall break scheduled for Thursday and Friday, Sept. 18-19, and the starting of classes four days earlier.

Gill Industries has been approved to begin asbestos abatement at Franklin Parish High School for a bid of $61,251.

"Work will begin as soon as the school is empty of personnel and the buildings can be prepared for the construction and remodeling," said Benton Moore, director of transportation.

Moore also informed the board of a request by AT&T to purchase a 30- by-30 foot easement to provide updated utilities for the Franklin Parish prison expansion and any future orders to serve prison additions as requested by the sheriff's department.

"The most suitable site is located near the intersection of La. Hwy. 17 and Nature's Acres Road," said Moore. "The right of way will be transferred for a one-time payment of $200,000."

The board unanimously accepted a motion to approve the offer by AT&T.

Carol Pinell-Alison, extension agent for LSU AgCenter, updated board members with the agriculture report and 4-H Club news.

"We had a successful centennial celebration," said Alison, "lots of good stories by past members and shared information, and we will continue this celebration throughout the year."

In agriculture news, "It just needs to dry up a bit," said Alison. "March 15 is the target date to start planting corn in the parish."

In the president's report, Eddie Ray Bryan acknowledged member Dorothy Brown's recent attendance at the Louisiana School Board Association convention in Shreveport.

The convention is designed to provide valuable information regarding school boards and the issues they face. Brown is on the board of directors of the Louisiana School Board.
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