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Superintendent withdraws motion for Poe/Glasgow later middle-school start pilot after parental concerns
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Reid withdrew a motion to advance a cost-neutral later-start middle school pilot for Poe and Glasgow on April 24, citing new information and public feedback. Board members and community speakers said they hope work will continue for a Glasgow-only cost-neutral option and asked staff to return with additional analyses.
Superintendent Dr. Reid announced April 24 she would withdraw the planned vote to implement a later-start pilot at Poe and Glasgow middle schools after receiving new information and community feedback. The board had planned a cost-neutral pilot proposed by consultants from Prismatic; the superintendent said the Glasgow component may be viable if staff are given additional time to refine logistics.
Several public speakers had urged the board to adopt later middle-school start times. Sandy Evans, a former school board member and a leader of the local sleep-advocacy group, told the board the consultants had identified a cost-neutral pilot for Poe and promised a cost-neutral plan for Glasgow. “It's important to do what's best for students,” Evans said, and she urged the board to continue pursuing pilots.
Parents and advocates described the academic and health benefits of later starts and cited research presented by Prismatic showing potential gains. Elizabeth Endy, an AV-based advocate, said economists estimate moving start times later can yield academic gains equivalent to roughly two months of learning; she said a two-school pilot could affect about 2,600 students and provide data for a countywide rollout. Kara Danner raised equity and practical concerns for families who might lack before-school care.
Opponents and school staff raised logistical and equity concerns for elementary students at schools that are affected indirectly. Carrie Russo, who said she teaches at Wayanoke Elementary, told the board that shifting high-school or middle-school start times could push Wayanoke's elementary start later to 9:00 a.m., creating childcare burdens for families in a Title I school where she said 93% of students are low income.
Dr. Reid said she had discussed the matter with staff and the consultant and that additional steps were necessary before moving forward with Glasgow. "Given a little bit more time, may result in bringing that recommendation in a cost-neutral way," she said. The superintendent said staff would continue to review the Glasgow component and return to the board with more data at a future meeting.
No formal vote on the pilot was taken on April 24. Several board members and speakers urged continued work, including targeted supports for families and further transportation analysis before a countywide decision.
