District 87 Approves New School Day Schedule

The Glenbard District 87 board of education on Monday approved a proposal to implement an adjusted school day schedule that lengthens students' lunch periods and shortens class periods from 50 minutes to 48 minutes.

A district school day committee in February recommended a 7:30 or 7:35 a.m. start with 48-minute periods as the best option, allowing students to seek additional academic support during the extended lunch period, according to District 87.

A 48-minute lunch will provide time for all students to access academic assistance and get a head start on their homework. According to District 87, students could use the extended lunch period to:

• Join subject area study groups
• Visit the test center to make up work
• Meet with their guidance counselor
• Attend study skills sessions
• Participate in Advanced Placement study sessions 

The Glenbard Education Association (GEA) Executive Board met Feb. 14, to review the committee's recommendation. The board discussed the topic Feb. 25 and March 4. Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Student Services Rod Molek and GEA president Tom Tully met with staff in each school to discuss the adjusted schedule and solicit feedback.

According to District 87, "The majority of the staff sees the recommended schedule as the most prudent option given the complex issue. The GEA held a ratification vote on March 6."

The majority of GEA members approved the school day proposal.

The expanded school day will allow for daily targeted interventions for students who are not experiencing academic success during the school day. The support is recognized as a tier II intervention in the state mandated Response to Intervention model, according to District 87.

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