Seeing the modified block schedule as a way to allow in-depth class projects and better support Wenatchee Learns, the Wenatchee School Board quickly and unexpectedly approved the new schedule during Wenatchee High School Principal Bob Celebrezze’s presentation to the board on Dec. 10.

The meeting was simply for an informational presentation on the modified block schedule, but the school board unanimously approved the proposal not long after a few questions and some discussion. The new routine is now on track to be implemented in the fall of 2014.

The fact that it was approved so quickly was surprising to Celebrezze, but Board President Laura Jaecks said that this was not the first time the topic of a different daily schedule was discussed.

Jaecks explained that teachers in the past have complained that the 45-minute or so classes were “barely” long enough for in-depth project work.

When Wenatchee Learns, “an initiative to bring students, citizens, and learning professionals together to design the future of learning in Wenatchee”, kicked off, Jaecks said that there was a survey that went to multiple levels — students, faculty, and administrators — to determine what was necessary to improve education in the valley. Results of the survey indicated that project-based learning was important to every stakeholder.

Project-based learning “makes learning more relevant to students,” Jaecks said, and that longer classes will allow for project-based learning. Jaecks did assure that 85-minute classes will be “engaging.”

When the board was having discussion after Celebrezze’s proposal on Dec. 10, Jaecks started off with how “impressed” she was with Celebrezze’s leadership and ability to gain consensus among the faculty. “I’m really pleased with his leadership,” she said.

After mentioning how impressed she was with his leadership, Jaecks said she paid close attention to the audience at the board meeting and noted that she saw folks in the audience nodding their heads in agreement, and she believes that said a lot.

“We’ve got the best intentions in our actions,” Jaecks said of approving the modified block schedule for the 2014-15 school year. “I have no personal biases about the schedule, but I am interested in providing the best possible learning environment.”