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Taos students press board to delay high school start times; board asks for survey
Summary
Two Taos High School students urged the board to change secondary school start times later to align with adolescent sleep needs. Board members signaled interest and suggested a community survey to gather parent, staff and student input.
Two Taos High School students used the board’s presentations slot to press the school board on different student-focused issues: one to celebrate teachers and better connect students with career resources, the other to request later high‑school start times.
Elkin (Elkin Rose), a junior and member of Taos High School’s speech and debate program, praised district teachers and urged staff to expand partnerships with local organizations to help students find post‑graduation pathways. He told the board that teachers “go well above and beyond,” highlighting after‑school tutoring and mentoring that supports students beyond class time.
Freshman Aliyah Hurtado asked the board to consider moving middle- and high‑school start times later — proposing an 8:30 a.m. or 9:00 a.m. start for secondary students with elementary start times earlier (about 7:45 a.m.). Hurtado cited recommendations from the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics that middle- and high‑school start times begin no earlier than 8:30 a.m. to match adolescent circadian rhythms and support sleep, health and academic performance.
Nut graf: The board did not take immediate action but discussed the idea and asked staff whether the district could run a community and student survey to gather parent, staff and student views before making schedule changes.
Board response and next steps
Board members thanked both students for their presentations. Superintendent Lincoln and board members said the topic has come up before and that a survey to gauge community sentiment — including concerns about transportation, work schedules and after‑school activities — would be a sensible next step. One board member suggested a student and parent survey before the board considers policy or schedule changes, and another noted staff and administrative work needed to consider bus routes and after‑school programs.
Ending
Students who testified said they hoped the board would follow up; the board directed staff to examine whether a formal survey could be prepared and circulated to students, families and staff and to return with results for discussion.
