Puyallup School District explores later bell times amid ongoing bus driver shortage

A push for later school start times in Washington is gaining momentum, driven by a significant bus driver shortage affecting districts statewide. During a recent House Education meeting, representatives from the Puyallup School District highlighted their efforts to explore this change, emphasizing the need for equitable and sustainable transportation for all students.

The Puyallup School District, one of the largest in the state, serves approximately 23,000 students across 54 square miles. With a fleet of 168 buses and a dwindling number of bus drivers—down from 131 in 2019 to just 122 today—the district is grappling with logistical challenges that have prompted discussions about adjusting bell times.

The district's leadership underscored that the initiative to consider later start times is not merely about convenience but is a response to ongoing transportation issues. The complexities of implementing such changes were acknowledged, but the focus remains on ensuring that all students have access to reliable transportation, regardless of the time school begins.

As the conversation around bell times continues, the implications for student well-being and academic performance are at the forefront. The Puyallup School District's proactive approach may set a precedent for other districts facing similar challenges, potentially reshaping the school day for students across Washington.