GMS and VHS Families,
It came to our attention that the current bell schedules at Gilson Middle School and Valdez High School are out of compliance with the minimum number of instructional hours required by Alaska state law. Current state law requires that students receive 900 hours of instructional time excluding intermissions (passing time, recess, and lunch). Currently, our schools are on track to only receive 817 hours of total instructional time this school year. Our path forward will need to address increased instructional time, including the length of the school day for secondary students. (For parents with students at multiple schools, please note that Hermon Hutchens Elementary School is in compliance with state requirements and their students will remain unaffected.)
The VCS School Board will discuss the plan to bring the district into compliance on Monday, November 25th, 2024 at 7:00PM during their regularly scheduled meeting. The district’s proposal to bring the secondary schools into compliance is included in the school board agenda which can be accessed on BoardDocs at https://go.boarddocs.com/ak/
Thank you for your understanding in this matter,
Jason Weber
Interim Superintendent
Valdez City Schools