Schedule Change Information
At its April 21, 2008 meeting, the Lockport Township High School Board of Education reviewed scholarly research on scheduling options to alleviate the severe overcrowding we are experiencing.
The priority of the Board of Education is to develop a plan that addresses student and staff safety while maintaining an orderly environment conducive to teaching and learning. In addition to the research component, we sought input from staff, students, parents, and other stakeholders.
Three options were researched by staff members and the information collected is available in the menu of links on the right side of this web page. The options, Year Round, Staggered Slide, and Split Shift each have their strengths and weaknesses.
In summary, the research presented the following findings:
- For LTHS the preferred order of schedule alternatives are:
1. Staggered/Slide
2. True Split
3. Year Round - For LTHS the preferred implementation is a phase-in approach utilizing a timeline based on student population figures.
- The timeline would stay in place for a minimum of two years following the passage of a building bond referendum.
- The following timeline should be evaluated annually, in October, by the Board and administration.
After reviewing the research presented, the Board of Education chose to alter scheduling next year by expanding the Early Bird program (6:44 a.m. start time) and busing more Sophomores between Central and East Campuses to create more space in the hallways and classrooms. The next school year (2009-2010) will see the implementation of a staggered slide schedule, which includes three different start times and three different dismissal times for our students. A true split shift, with half the student body attending classes in the morning and half in the afternoon, will be implemented when our student enrollment reaches 4,250 students (possibly in school year 2013-2014).
Please review the research and if you have any questions, contact our Development Office at (815) 588-8121.