The Bedford School Board voted Aug. 25 to change the start time for all regular meetings and budget sessions to 6:30 p.m., with the change to take effect at the Sept. 9 meeting. The motion passed by voice vote.

Board Chair Sue Ginato summarized a prior conversation with town council members who had moved many town meetings earlier to increase accessibility. Several board members said they were flexible about time but preferred consistency. Board member Bill Foote and others said an earlier start could aid members who commute and allow nonpublic sessions to follow earlier in the evening.

Board members discussed whether the deliberative session and presentations by outside staff (for example, principals or BCTV staff) could adapt to the earlier start. Administrators agreed to coordinate with presenters and BCTV to avoid scheduling conflicts; food service will continue to offer dinner for budget meetings and can have it available by 6 p.m.

The board formalized the change with a motion to move all meeting start times to 6:30 p.m.; the motion passed with an aye vote. Administration will republish the calendar and notify the district to avoid confusion.