In a recent school committee meeting, parents expressed significant concerns regarding proposed changes to school start times, emphasizing the need for alignment between Placentino and Miller schools. Michelle Hastings, a parent of three, articulated her disappointment with the committee's final recommendations, highlighting the potential negative impact on children's safety and emotional well-being. She argued that a pairing of Placentino and Miller would provide families with consistent schedules, crucial for working parents of young children who cannot be left home alone.

Hastings noted that the current recommendations would require children to adjust their sleep schedules every three years, which could adversely affect their academic performance. She praised the efforts of Dr. Slaney and Mr. Keim for their advocacy for safer solutions and echoed the sentiments of many parents in the community.

Another parent, also named Michelle, expressed frustration over the decision-making process, stating that the committee was asked to make choices without complete information. She criticized the exclusion of school principals from the committee, suggesting their insights could have led to better-informed decisions. Despite her frustrations, she acknowledged the potential benefits of aligning start times for Placentino and Miller, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and comprehensive input in future discussions.

The meeting underscored the complexities of scheduling decisions and the need for ongoing dialogue among parents, educators, and administrators to ensure the best outcomes for students and families. The committee is now considering the alignment of start times as a viable option, reflecting a shift in perspective that may lead to more favorable arrangements for the community.