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RSU 23 schedules May forum to discuss Start School Later after surveys show student support
Summary
Following presentations and surveys showing strong student support, RSU 23 board voted unanimously to hold an additional May meeting and public forum to gather parent input and review implications of later high-school start times.
After presentations and local surveys, the RSU 23 board agreed unanimously on April 7 to hold an additional school board meeting in May to further consider the Start School Later initiative and solicit broader public input.
Administrators and presenters summarized a regional discussion on later start times involving Biddeford, Saco and Dayton; Superintendent Lloyd Crocker reported the joint Biddeford meeting drew about 20 parents plus medical professionals and school personnel and that neighboring boards showed varying votes (Dayton 2–0, Saco 4–0, Biddeford 5–2). Board member Mike Flaherty presented survey results suggesting most respondents favored or did not oppose later start times, and John Suttie said an internal student survey found 87% of students favored later start times and that staff observed improved student alertness.
Board members raised practical concerns for athletics and transportation. Stuart Hogan said he favored the change “based on the science and the research that was presented,” while others pointed to scheduling conflicts for students who attend the Biddeford vocational center and out-of-district athletic travel. One survey cited by a board member showed 41.9% of respondents opposed changing hours, which prompted discussion on whether the board had sufficient parent input.
Michelle Violette moved and Peter Flaherty seconded a motion to hold an additional meeting in May focused on Start School Later; the motion passed unanimously. The board asked administration to schedule a forum, invite parents and stakeholders, and consider input from presenters Tracey Collins and Joan Pelletier, who had offered to return to the board for further discussion.
The additional forum is intended to gather more community feedback and address operational concerns—transportation, athletics scheduling and coordination with neighboring districts—before any formal change to school start times is proposed.
