Crenshaw County schools will start the new school year on block scheduling. Students will have fewer classes each day and meet for longer periods.

The new plan was one of several changes Superintendent Boyd English introduced during a staff retreat Wednesday morning. He met with school administrators and Central Office staff to present the system he wants established for the upcoming school year.

“First thing we need to do is lay out the foundation for success, layout some respect in the system and get everyone on the same level from kindergarten through twelfth grade,” English said.

The conference was set up to give the administration from each of the Crenshaw County schools the opportunity to speak about concerns and to touch base on some strengths and weaknesses as a whole.

English designed this meeting to help everyone get on the same page and encourage positive growth in the school system. After the meeting, the administration from each school will go to their respective schools and train their faculty and staff for the upcoming year.

“I think it will help solidify everything,” said Cliff Maddox, principal of Highland Home. “It gives you a lot of support and who to contact.”

In addition to the block scheduling, English discussed the district’s instructional framework that will be the standards and guidelines for class curriculum. The instructional framework will be posted in every classroom so that all teachers and students understand it.

“I think it’s going to help the students. This gives them a positive atmosphere,” said Interim Child Nutrition Director Ruth Bayman. “With all the changes in the system I think it’s a very good communication tool so everybody can be on the same page.”

The administrators were able to ask questions regarding other issues in preparation for the school year.

English’s main focus was making sure everyone knew what was to be accomplished this year and how to do it successfully.

“What does quality education look like,” said English. “We talk about goals and expectations but what does it actually look like?”

The next plan of action is to take time over the next few weeks to prepare and begin training each school’s faculty and staff on the new changes.