Holliston School Committee approves revised school start-time plan after extended public comment

The Holliston School Committee on Dec. 19 approved a revised district school-start schedule (an iteration of “Option A”) after extended public comment and technical briefings from district staff.

The committee’s vote, taken by roll call, was unanimous: Frank (yes); Hilling (yes); Joe (yes); Sarah (yes); Cynthia (yes); Don (yes); and the presiding committee member also voted yes. The motion was seconded by Don; the motion maker was not named on the record.

Why it matters: The change reshapes morning and afternoon start and dismissal times across the district and affects bus routing, after-school activities and staff schedules. Administrators said the approved model reduces some of the earliest start-time pressures while acknowledging the plan produces end-of-day dismissal times that may be later than some families and staff prefer.

Students and parents urged clarity and transparency during the public-comment period. “I’d just like some transparency on why you guys are looking for the schedule change and, sort of, what studies and research you guys have done, some numbers to back up the reason for the change,” said an alumnus who…