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Parents, students and staff urge Edmonds School District to reconsider 07:20 elementary start time
Summary
Dozens of parents, students and staff told the Edmonds School District board that a proposed 07:20 elementary start time would harm young children, worsen equity and safety, and lacks clear evidence; speakers asked the board to re-examine tiering options and conduct further study before adopting the change.
Dozens of parents, students and district staff pressed the Edmonds School District Board of Directors on June 23 to abandon or rework a proposal that would move many elementary schools to a 07:20 a.m. start.
The attendees — including several elementary-age students — said the change would force very young children to wake before sunrise during large parts of the school year, interrupt family routines and after‑school activities, increase childcare costs and create safety risks at bus stops. "A 07:20 start means a 6 a.m. wake up for our youngest ones," said parent Annette, who asked the board to publish a full cost-and-impact analysis before moving forward.
Why it matters: The district is weighing tiered schedules intended to give middle and high school students more sleep. Parents and students stressed that the solution should not shift harm to the youngest learners. Speakers cited practical problems — earlier bus pickups, limited supervision and darker winter mornings — and equity concerns, noting that many schools with the earliest proposed starts are Title I campuses.
What speakers said: Brian Reed, who identified himself as an active‑duty service member and Westgate Elementary parent, said the change would “really negatively impact our family,” arguing the policy insufficiently considered military or other shift‑work households. A 3rd‑grade student, Alex, told the board, “Kids need sleep,” and asked directors to keep current times.
Several speakers pointed to alternative scheduling models. One parent recommended a three‑tier system, noting nearby North Shore School District runs three tiers with elementary starts at 08:45 and middle/high schools starting earlier, and asked the district to publish why a 3‑tier solution was not analyzed. "A 3‑tier model can actually be more cost efficient than 4," the parent said.
Safety and special‑needs concerns: Megan Husby urged a safety review of walking routes and bus stop lighting, warning that kindergarteners would be waiting in darkness on some winter mornings. Judy Lam, whose child has an IEP, told the board an early start could conflict with medically necessary therapies and argued the district should consult its special‑education director and legal counsel about potential impacts under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Board response and next steps: Board members did not adopt a schedule change at the meeting. Chair Director Katims reminded speakers there is “a very long runway before any actions will be taken toward implementation” to allow for additional input and analysis. Directors thanked speakers for detailed testimony and said the board will continue public engagement through study sessions and the July meetings before any final decision.
The public outpouring at the June 23 meeting signals strong community interest; the district is scheduled to return to the budget and scheduling discussion in July as it finalizes related operational planning.
