After having the chance to review the medical research, input gathered through stakeholder surveys and projected schedule options, the School Board began discussions about the financial requirements necessary to allow implementation of a change to school start times.
At its annual summer retreat, the School Board asked school administration to look at capital improvements projects and operational costs associated with a change. This would include identifying funding sources for additional buses as well as necessary building enhancements, including outdoor lighting. This work, Board members shared, will help guide the division to make any potential change in the most efficient and fiscally responsible way. In the meantime, the School Board decided to postpone its conversation and re-examine changing the school schedules in three to four years.
It should be noted that this Board discussion does not impact the 10-minute change to the middle school schedule, which was previously announced. Middle schools across the division will begin at 9:30 a.m. and end the day at 4 p.m. This change will help alleviate transportation challenges and delays by building in more time between elementary school and middle school arrival and dismissal times.
I am very much behind the idea of having schools start times change as soon as possible. The elementary should be the earliest, then middle school, then high school. Research has shown that is best, and we need to think what is best for our children and not what is most convenient for us! Fast food is a great example that convenience isn’t always the best way to go.