Nyack High School: No Block Scheduling This Year

students won't see a major change to their class schedules come fall semester.

Block scheduling—a system of longer, 80-minute classes on alternating days—will not go into effect next semester. The initiative began as a grassroots effort by parents and teachers who believed the system would allow more time to delve into subjects.

At last week's school board meeting, Nyack's interim-superintendent Jason Friedman said he believes the school is not ready to implement the major change, and needs more time to sort out the complex scheduling.

"This is a significant change that's taking place, we do not believe the schedule we've simulated and tweaked at this point is at a level of competence," Friedman said.

"The worst thing we could do is bring it forward with less than a high probability for success," Friedman added, noting it could tarnish the idea and sabotage the opportunity.

School Board members were unhappy with Friedman's assessment.

"I can't even express how disappointed I am," said Thomas LaColla. "We're tenacious, we'll continue on we'll get there even, but every moment of delay is [a loss] for the student body."

"I know it will go forward, but I'd rather wait until we have [everything in place]," added board member Claudette Clarke.

Friedman noted the decision does not take the initiative off the table—it only delays the process.

"Better refinement will allows us to get to where we need to be," he said.