Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Start Times topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board keeps three-tier bell schedule after debate on Osceola and Eighth Street
Summary
The Marion County School Board voted 4-1 to keep the district’s three-tier start/stop bell schedule for 2025–26; transportation staff said moving Osceola Middle School would require 8–10 additional runs.
The Marion County School Board voted 4-1 on April 22 to adopt the recommended three-tier start and stop bell schedule for the 2025–26 school year after transportation staff warned that changing tiers would add routes and operational cost.
The board’s scheduling committee reviewed on-time arrival data and bus discipline referral information before recommending continuation of the three-tier system. Board member Dr. Sarah James moved the motion; Reverend Eric Cummings seconded it. Dr. Lisonbee Campbell cast the lone no vote, saying constituents in her district had asked for later start times at some schools.
Transportation supervisor Mr. Ostanik told the board that moving Osceola Middle School into the second tier would add “about 8 to 10 runs” to the second tier and complicate route pairings, increasing the district’s need for buses and drivers. "Whenever you move those to another tier, it's gonna have to pick up somewhere, so you're gonna have to add extra," he said.
Board members discussed the operational trade-offs. Dr. Campbell reiterated community requests for later start times at Eighth Street and Osceola; other members acknowledged the limits imposed by current bus routes and driver availability. One member suggested community solutions such as expanded walking or bike programs in tightly knit neighborhoods.
The board directed transportation to proceed with implementation and to report on on-time arrival metrics after the first quarter of the school year.
