Board approves revised school start and dismissal times amid staff and parent concerns at Glen Oaks

The East Baton Rouge Parish School Board on June 12 approved revised school start and dismissal times after a motion from board member Russ and a second from Paul Lewis.

An educator at Glen Oaks High School, Ariane Smith, spoke at the meeting and said teachers and families at her school felt blindsided by the timing of the change. “If we're a team, you don't tell the team or the quarterback that you're changing the play on the fourth quarter at the last minute,” Smith said. She added, “I don't believe that starting school at 08:50 is an ideal statement” and raised concerns about teachers who work second jobs, teachers enrolled in higher education and families who rely on older children to care for younger siblings.

Why it matters: Changes to start and dismissal times can affect bus schedules, after-school programs, family routines and employee work schedules. Board members acknowledged the transition will be difficult for some families and staff but said they supported the plan after staff work and stakeholder outreach.

Board procedure and outcome: The board voted on the item; the motion carried. Board members who spoke in favor noted the potential instructional benefits of the scheduling changes and the need to phase certain schools into the new times (board member Paul Lewis said he supported the item while seeking additional preparation time for some schools).

Next steps: The administration will implement the revised start and dismissal times; staff indicated additional communication and support will be provided for schools that request more time to prepare.