The decision to continue the seven-day period for the next academic year was recently announced by The College Park Administration among considerations of community and budgetary factors.
“My decision to maintain a seven-period bell schedule is grounded in practical and pedagogical considerations,” College Park Principal Robert MacFarlane said.
A lack of funding was previously expressed as a major factor in the decision due to its possible effect on staffing. A seven-period schedule was decided as the best option for financial considerations.
“From a budgetary perspective, it allows for optimal staffing flexibility,” MacFarlane said. “Ensuring we can continue offering various courses and extracurricular activities without sacrificing educational quality.”
The administration also considered more holistic factors for the decision, such as the seven-period day’s place in our community.
“The seven-period day,” MacFarlane said. “[Is] a tradition within our school community that fosters continuity and stability for students and staff alike.”
Mr. MacFarlane’s decision to stay on the seven-period schedule makes College Park an outlier in Conroe ISD — with most high schools in the district, and even some College Park feeder schools, having implemented block schedules.
Though it seems College Park plans to retain this policy for the foreseeable future, with possible changes in district policy, block scheduling still remains a possibility.
