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Thursday, December 13, 2001

Student walkout over class scheduling disrupts Atlantic High

By LINDA TRIMBLE | News-Journal Education Writer

PORT ORANGE — More than 1,000 Atlantic High School students staged a protest Wednesday over the decision to convert Volusia high schools to a six-period class schedule in August to help offset state budget cuts.

Principal Ron Pagano said about three-quarters of Atlantic's 1,500 students gathered in the school's central courtyard after first period, refusing to return to class until their concerns were heard.

The demonstration was generally peaceful, according to Pagano and several students who participated, although some students shouted their concerns and others staged a sit-in.

Pagano said no students were suspended over the demonstration as of Wednesday afternoon, but some may be disciplined later for actions such as setting off fire alarms, if they're identified.

The students stayed in the courtyard for about an hour until Pagano and three top school district administrators agreed to meet with student government leaders to discuss the schedule change Superintendent Bill Hall announced Tuesday.

All nine Volusia high schools will operate on a six-period day, with each period 60 minutes long and optional seventh classes to be offered when enough students sign up.

Hall said the move will save $1.5 million to $2 million annually over the seven-period day and four-by-four block schedule Volusia high schools use now because fewer teachers will be needed.

Lawmakers approved a $7.6 million cut for Volusia schools last week because of the slumping economy and school officials are bracing for another $6 million cut next year.

The protesting Atlantic students were more concerned about the impact on their classload, course availability and homework than the financial issues that drove Hall's decision.

"This (demonstration) happened today because kids wanted people to know how we feel," said Kelly Garrett, junior class vice president.

"We were just sticking up for what we believe in," said freshman Ashley Reichenberger. "I don't think they had any intention of listening to us, but we have to go to this school."

"Six (classes) are too hard. It's hard enough with four," Ashley said.

Students at Atlantic and five other Volusia high schools take four, 90-minute classes per day. Mainland, Spruce Creek and New Smyrna Beach high schools offer seven, 50-minute classes per day.

"With four classes, you have time to study and there aren't so many class changes in the day," said senior Justin Treen.

Student Government Association President Sonya Zierman said students are worried about the possible loss of elective classes under the new schedule and how activities such as science labs and debates would fit into the shorter classes.

Zierman and other student leaders said they understood Hall's decision better after their Wednesday meeting with school district administrators.

They also came up with a plan for sharing what they learned with other Atlantic students, writing letters to state legislators and Gov. Jeb Bush about their concerns and inviting students from other high schools to get involved in the campaign.

By the end of the school day Wednesday, the students had set up a box where students can submit questions about the schedule change and how it will affect them.

Student leaders also plan to organize a community forum and invite local lawmakers to attend, so students, parents and teachers can discuss budget cuts and the resulting schedule change.

Hall was surprised by Wednesday's demonstration. "We were not anticipating that type of reaction," he said. "My hope would be that something constructive would have taken place that would not have involved a student walkout."

Volusia isn't the only district looking at changing high school schedules to save money. Alachua County Superintendent Mary Chambers announced Tuesday she also plans to recommend dropping the seventh-period there, according to a Gainesville Sun report.

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