WILKES-BARRE -- A proposal for students to have split schedules at a school in Wilkes-Barre next fall is creating controversy among parents.
The split schedules would affect Coughlin High School students here on North Washington Street in Wilkes-Barre.
The school district is hoping the state department of education approves its plan for split schedules. The plan calls for half of Coughlin High School students next year. Attending class at the newly renovated Mackin School through the morning. The other half in the Mackin School from the early afternoon until the evening.
"We may start a little earlier, end a little later, but this is another possibility for us to look into," said Dr. Bernard Prevuznak, Wilkes-Barre Superintendent.
Wilkes-Barre area's school chief has been looking into ways to house Coughlin High School students next year. Their school is set to be demolished over the summer, and construction on a new high school on North Washington Street should be finished finished in 2019. Some parents question the split schedules.
"I think it will be a little bit difficult for parents to juggle, with working and child care," said Kim Ross, a parent.
Another parent, Cindy Myerski said, "Besides interfering with the parent's schedule, you have to come home at 5 o'clock at night and still do homework. That's a long time."
This Coughlin student agrees. "Seems kinda late. Some people have jobs to go to and what-not," said Tom Lyons.
School leaders believe split schedules may be the best option for students while construction of the new Coughlin school takes place.
"We're trying to look out for the best interests of our kids, of our teachers," said Dr. Bernard Prevuznak.
The district believes housing all students at Mackin is better than housing half of students in modular buildings, which had also been proposed.
The district says having students at the Mackin building could save $3 million verses the modular buildings.