Parents and teachers push back on later start times and 5th–6th grade plan; call for more engagement

Several parents and teachers used the public comment period to press the board on schedule and grade‑configuration proposals. One parent said the district had not adequately involved stakeholders and warned that later start times could disrupt working families: “At what point are we teaching young people how to function in the real world? Employers aren't going to adjust work shifts because someone's tired,” the parent said.

Another parent who identified herself during public comment urged a town hall and broader community input before implementing changes that would affect every family: “When people are included in decision making, they are much more likely to support results,” she said. A teacher who identified herself as Samantha Herron, a 7th grade social studies teacher, described stress among staff being asked to change teaching models and raised concerns about teachers being asked to teach unfamiliar content without curriculum or supports.

Multiple commenters also voiced worry that the proposed schedule would force students to choose between interventions (reading/math) and electives. District staff responded in the meeting that IEP‑required specially designed instruction would be scheduled and that reading intervention would be preserved, but conceded some services may be scheduled during elective or selective periods. No policy decision was made in the public comment period; the board moved into executive session on labor negotiations and legal matters after the comment period.