Board schedules work session to study later secondary start times; transportation and cost tradeoffs outlined

District staff previewed a work session on Thursday, May 14 at 5:15 p.m. to discuss possible later start times for secondary students. The item is informational; staff said past experiences in comparable districts show multiple approaches to shifting start times and that local decisions hinge on transportation logistics and budget choices.

The presentation noted two models: a lower‑cost, near cost‑neutral schedule shift (pushing existing routes later by approximately 40 minutes) and a higher‑cost option that would run a true tiered system (separate elementary and secondary routes) requiring more bus runs. Staff described examples: a nearby district with more bus routes was able to flip schedules at no added cost, while another larger district made broader transportation changes and increased spending to accommodate later start times.

Board members discussed likely ancillary effects, including potential morning childcare needs and the distributional effect on families with mixed‑age children. Staff said they will present a proposed survey after the board’s Thursday discussion; the survey will be informed by the board’s preferences for whether to pursue a cost‑neutral flip or to consider additional spending to achieve a true tiered system. Staff also said they will prepare cost estimates for a full tiered model for board review.

The district will livestream and record the May 14 work session; board members were reminded that work sessions are typically less formal but may draw public interest on this topic.