WESTPHALIA — Fatima R-3 administrators presented a proposal to shorten the high school day from eight periods to seven at last week’s school board meeting, citing potential academic and logistical benefits for students and staff.

Staff members Robin Schulte and Maegan Langer outlined the idea, explaining that the change would reduce the number of daily classes from eight to seven while lengthening individual periods to allow for deeper instruction and fewer transitions throughout the day. They said the adjustment would bring Fatima’s schedule more in line with neighboring districts and current recommendations from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

“Most of the schools around us have already moved to a seven-period day,” Schulte told the board. “It’s becoming the standard, and it aligns better with DESE’s 24-credit graduation requirement.”

Under the proposal, students would take seven classes each semester instead of eight. Over four years, this would reduce the total number of available credits from 32 to 28, prompting a gradual adjustment to graduation requirements beginning with the Class of 2027. Fatima currently requires 27.5 credits to graduate, but that number would drop to 26 for 2027 graduates, 25 for the Class of 2028, and 24 for the Class of 2029 and beyond — the minimum required by DESE.

Administrators said a seven-period schedule would allow students to focus on fewer subjects each day, improve pacing, and reduce homework load and stress. Teachers, they said would benefit from one fewer class to plan for and grade, helping to reduce burnout and improve consistency in instruction.

“Students would still be able to pursue dual-credit, career and technical education, and fine arts,” Schulte said. “They may just need to prioritize their electives a little more carefully.”

Langer noted that the district’s graduation requirements currently exceed both state and regional averages. “We’re at 27.5 credits right now, while nearby schools like Linn, Vienna, and Southern Boone require 24, and Eldon and Jefferson City require 25,” she said. “Even with the reduction, Fatima students will still have some wiggle room.”

Superintendent John Kitchens said the idea grew from conversations about class sizes, teacher workloads, and scheduling efficiency. “We have several high school classes with fewer than 10 students,” he said. “Moving to seven periods could help balance those numbers, while also giving students and teachers more focused time in class.”

The proposal also included discussion about how the change might affect electives, dual-credit courses, and agricultural education offerings. Board member Mandy Kliethermes said she was less concerned about losing electives than ensuring students continue to have access to advanced courses. “As long as the kids still have opportunities for AP and dual-credit, I think it’s worth looking into,” she said.

Board member DJ Schroeder asked how agriculture and technical programs would fit into the new model. Board member Jeff Winkelman expressed concern that the new schedule must not reduce the number of math credits required to graduate, as students who struggled with math, he said, struggle to graduate at State Tech. Several board members noted that some agriculture credits can already count as science and math credits, providing flexibility within the schedule.

Before any decision is made, administrators plan to gather feedback from teachers, parents, and students, and form a committee to study the change in more detail. Schulte said teachers would have an opportunity to provide input immediately, with further discussion to follow in coming months.

Kitchens emphasized that the presentation was intended to start the conversation rather than signal a decision. “We just wanted to bring this to the board early,” he said. “This impacts everyone, and we want to make sure we have all voices at the table before moving forward.”