JCPS evaluates student outcomes amid changing school start times

The Jefferson County Board of Education convened on February 25, 2025, to discuss various topics, with a significant focus on school start times and their impact on student outcomes. The meeting began with an overview of recent changes in start times within the Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) system, highlighting the adjustments made over the past three years in response to a bus driver shortage and recommendations from medical experts.

The discussion revealed that JCPS has implemented three different start times for the current school year: 7:38 AM, 8:40 AM, and 9:40 AM. Currently, 57% of secondary schools begin after 8:30 AM, which aligns with expert recommendations. Comparatively, among 25 large urban school districts analyzed, only 27% of high schools started after 8:30 AM, indicating that JCPS is more aligned with best practices than many of its peers.

Dr. Dalsak presented preliminary data on the effects of these start time changes on student attendance and behavior. Schools that shifted to a later start time of 9:40 AM saw improvements in chronic absenteeism and attendance rates, while behavior referrals remained stable. Conversely, schools that moved to an earlier start time experienced a decrease in teacher retention rates. The data indicated mixed results regarding the impact of start times on academic achievement, with no clear evidence that any specific start time consistently leads to better outcomes.

Stakeholder perceptions were also discussed, revealing that 51% of parents support later start times, while a significant portion remains opposed. The meeting emphasized the importance of considering logistical factors, such as athletic practices and childcare, when making decisions about start times.

In conclusion, the board acknowledged that while most secondary schools in JCPS start after 8:30 AM, which is supported by medical research, the relationship between start times and student outcomes remains complex and inconclusive. The board expressed a desire to further engage with parents to gather their preferences regarding start times, recognizing the need for a comprehensive approach to promote healthy sleep habits among students. The meeting concluded with an invitation for questions, indicating an openness to continued dialogue on this important issue.