WILX - News - Headlines  The Trimester Trend  By: Beth Shayne
Video will be available shortly  As so many education debates do
in St. Johns, this one began with money.  "We have to reduce
costs," explains St. Johns principal Mark Palmer.  It may seem
backward, but more semesters will actual require fewer teachers.
If the trimester schedule passes a board vote on Monday, they'll
cut staff by two next year.  They'll have five periods each day
for 70 minutes each. It’s three semesters, 15 courses in all. It
gives students room for one extra elective  "I'm in band, art,
multiple things like that," explains junior Kallie Sternburgh.
She was resistant at first, but understanding the extra options,
now, she's on board.  "I'm not able to fit 'em all in, so it's
actually better [the new] way."  Eaton Rapids is already
committed to going tri next year. It was about making high
school more rigorous.  "We thought how are we gonna do that in a
six period day without more staff, without more cash," explains
principal Dave