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Maple Heights board approves new elementary start times to align district schedules
Summary
The Maple Heights Board of Education on June 22 approved Resolution 2646 to align elementary start and dismissal times across the district, citing operational efficiency and efforts to reduce chronic absenteeism. The unanimous vote follows a small summer test and plans to coordinate routing with city officials.
The Maple Heights Board of Education voted unanimously June 22 to change elementary start and dismissal times to put all elementary schools on a common schedule, a move administrators said will simplify bus routing and may help address chronic absenteeism.
Superintendent Dellaflora told the board the district examined operational data and family needs and concluded a common elementary schedule would reduce the need for multiple bus routes to the same neighborhoods. "We do believe that for the efficiency of operations of the district, as well as to help meet the needs of our families, that at least all of our elementary schools should be on the same time frame," she said.
The administration described the specific shifts it is proposing: Abraham Lincoln and JFK would each start roughly 25 minutes earlier and be dismissed about 30 minutes earlier than under the current schedule; Barack Obama would start about 25 minutes later and dismiss about 20 minutes later; Milkovich Middle School and Maple Heights High School would be dismissed about 10 minutes earlier so buses can complete elementary drop-offs.
The superintendent said the district has run a small summer test of the timing with summer programs and "it's going smoothly. I haven't heard of any issues," and that staff will expand testing and communications before fall. She said the district will coordinate with city officials and may request traffic support at busy stops.
Board members asked about operational details and community notification; the superintendent said staff would begin outreach and route planning in July so families have lead time for child-care or drop-off adjustments. The board carried the resolution by a roll-call vote in which Ms. Cheeks, Ms. Hunter, Mr. Blackwell and Board President Moore voted yes.
The change takes effect for the 2026–2027 school year pending administrative implementation steps and continued communication with families and municipal partners.
