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Committee to study three‑tier bell schedule to cut double bus runs; implementation targeted for fall 2027
Summary
Staff presented a plan to study a three‑tier bell schedule to reduce double bus runs, ease campus traffic tied to a planned Fourth High School, and propose implementation in fall 2027 after public engagement and redistricting work.
Mr. Hollen (first referenced as a presenter at the May 4 Building and Grounds Committee meeting) outlined a staff study of a three‑tier bell schedule intended to reduce duplicate bus runs, ease traffic between middle and high schools and address projected overcrowding tied to the upcoming Fourth High School. He said the study would run from June 2024 to March 2027 with phased public engagement, surveys, teacher focus groups and town halls, and a recommendation to the board in spring 2027. "Phase one would start this summer... defining our goals and our constraints, conducting a transportation audit, developing at least two three‑tier scenarios," he said.
Mr. Thompson (staff member, first referenced in committee discussion) elaborated on why the change is needed and flagged community sensitivity, saying the main dispute will be "who goes first, who goes second, and who goes third," and that the process "is going to be a heavy lift emotionally." Staff recommended forming a steering committee, conducting a transportation audit, modeling two or more scenarios and using fall surveys and focus groups to gather feedback before drafting an implementation plan in November–December and holding town halls in January–February.
The timeline staff presented targets a fall 2027 rollout for start‑time changes, with flexibility depending on the board's timing and the sequence of redistricting and new school openings. Committee members asked clarifying questions about whether start‑time changes would include route and fleet adjustments; staff confirmed routing and start/end times are part of the study. The presentation also included a brief update that staff have identified 30 light‑duty vehicles (15–36 years old, average ~132,000 miles) that could be removed to reduce fleet size and costs.
The committee did not take a formal vote on adopting a specific start‑time plan; instead, members approved the recommendation to move staff plans forward for additional study and community engagement. Staff said the division will synchronize the bell‑schedule work with redistricting and the phased openings of new schools to limit disruption. The committee expects further reports and public meetings as staff develop draft scenarios.
