Pinellas County Schools updates opening times for 2025-2026 school year

The Pinellas County School Board meeting on May 13, 2025, focused on several key issues, including school start times and transportation strategies for the upcoming school year.

One of the main topics discussed was the approval of school opening and closing times for the 2025-2026 academic year. Board member Mr. Hendrick expressed gratitude for recent legislative changes that allow the board to maintain local authority over these times. He noted that a previous bill had aimed for implementation in 2026, but the board still has one more year of complete control.

Mr. Herbeck, from the transportation department, reported on the success of new routing strategies implemented two years ago. These strategies, which include zoned arterial stops and flexible start times, have led to a significant reduction in late buses and fewer complaints from parents. For the upcoming school year, the board plans to keep the current start and end times, with one exception: the merging of Walsingham and Southern Oak Elementary Schools into Walsingham Oaks K-8, which will have a proposed schedule of 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM.

The board also discussed ongoing efforts to improve transportation systems, including the use of both old and new routing software to ensure reliability. There is a commitment to explore later start times for high schools in the future, reflecting the board's ongoing focus on optimizing student schedules.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the board's proactive approach to addressing transportation challenges and adapting to legislative changes, ensuring that the needs of students and families are prioritized as they prepare for the next school year.