SLC School Board adopts late start for high schools despite seat time concerns

In a recent Salt Lake City School District (SLCSD) Board meeting held on May 6, 2025, significant discussions emerged regarding the ongoing challenges of high school scheduling and compliance with district policies. The meeting highlighted the complexities surrounding the implementation of a shifted schedule aimed at addressing mental health concerns among students, particularly in light of previous decisions made during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The board revisited a proposal initially adopted in 2021, which aimed to start high school classes later in the morning at 8:45 AM. This change was intended to reduce stress and suicidality among students. However, complications arose when district personnel presented an urgent need to ensure that high schools met the required thousand hours of seat time. The proposed solution involved either extending school hours or maintaining full school days five days a week, which contradicted the professional learning community (PLC) model that had been previously endorsed.

During the meeting, board members expressed concerns about the implications of this change, particularly as it seemed to undermine the PLC model that had been emphasized in training sessions. Despite these concerns, the board ultimately voted 4-3 to adopt the new policy, which allowed for shortened school days on Fridays. This decision, however, was made without the input of administrative committee members, who were not informed of the discussions or the resulting changes.

The lack of communication and the failure to update district policy I-five to reflect the new scheduling language led to compliance issues with the adopted school calendars. This situation was later cited as a significant problem in a state audit regarding shared governance within the district.

As the meeting progressed, speakers emphasized the need for clear communication and adherence to established policies. One speaker pointed out that the district had been operating under the assumption that they were out of compliance, despite successfully providing the required seat time. This revelation raised questions about the accuracy of the information that had driven previous decisions.

In conclusion, the SLCSD Board meeting underscored the ongoing challenges of balancing student mental health needs with compliance requirements. The discussions revealed a need for improved communication and a willingness to adapt policies based on accurate data. As the district moves forward, it will be crucial to ensure that all stakeholders are informed and engaged in the decision-making process to avoid future compliance issues and to better support the educational environment for students.