Saucon Valley HS teachers are voicing their opinions regarding the district's recent elimination of a number of electives.

During the board's Sept. 24 meeting, high school teacher Sandra Eckert told members of the board electives are an integral part of a student's academic experience and should not be eliminated.

"Curiosity should be encouraged at their young age," Eckert said. "We're not here to point fingers. Like you, we care about our students, our citizens and our taxpayers."

Eckert added the board should be more concerned with students sitting idly in study halls rather than be offered a sold selection of elective courses.

Board member Charles Bartolet asked Saucon Valley HS Principal Eric Kahler what the percentage of students in study halls versus elective courses was.

"I don't think the number of students has changed much," Kahler said.

Member of the school board Bryan Eichfeld said he believes many of the current problems with electives are the result of block scheduling. He recommended the district and high school return to 40 minute class scheduling.

Such a move, he said, would "give the flexibility the students need in their schedule."

Kahler told the board he believes the issue is not block scheduling but the larger size of the school.

However, if the school did eliminate block scheduling, Kahler said such a move would not result in improved schedules.

"Student conflicts are less this year than in previous years," he said. "It's [modifying the schedule] had a positive impact."

District Assistant Superintendent Carl Atkinson said low enrollments have led to some electives being dropped from the schedule.

"There's the numbers and there's the story behind the numbers," Atkinson said.

Board member Sandra Miller spoke in favor of block scheduling as such scheduling allows more aggressive students to double up on classes.

"Block allows you to more quickly go through the scheduling," she said.

Board member Ralph Puerta said he was unable to render a decision because there is not enough data available at the moment and that an analysis was warranted. He said the district needs to be more specific when it defines courses.

Puerta emphasized the topic of electives is one the district and the high school should discuss in a collaborative manner.

"If anything, I would welcome and I think you should welcome that we should somehow get together and look at what we are doing on a curriculum and instructional basis," he said. "This should not be a confrontation between us."

Eichfeld recommended data on electives be posted on the district website.

Board President Michael Karabin indicated further discussions on electives would be presented at a future board meeting.