A fb friend received this email. It was the first Ive heard of this. Sharing just to get the word out to parents.. Hello everyone, For those of you who were involved in the public schools 5 years ago, you will remember the discussion and controversy surrounding the district’s intent to change the start times for our schools. The issue died down when it was discovered there were miscalculations in the cost to implement the plan, as well as after significant public outcry. The issue is back, and this time there has been very little done to get it out to the parents and community. There was one article in the News Tribune in October, and I believe that has been the only direct communication about it. Here is what is being proposed: Elementary schools: 7:40 start with bus arrival at 7:10-7:20 Middle schools: 9:00 start time High school: 8:45 start time Not only is it being proposed at Monday night’s school board meeting, the board will be taking a vote on it. The reason for the change is based on research about how/when teens learn best, efficiency of bus routing, and cost savings in the transportation budget. Certainly, the research about teenagers is valid. But the very early start for the youngest of our kids is unreasonable. With available funds in the transportation budget, bus routes can be added to alleviate that early hour somewhat. There should be a compelling reason not to use that money to give our families a break by pushing that start time to 8 a.m., rather than simply just not considering it. As a taxpayer and a parent - whether you are for or against the changes - please make your voice heard. Let the school board know you want the opportunity to see the research and express your concerns and questions before this decision is made. Each family’s story and schedule is going to be unique, and while we can all appreciate that there will not be one schedule that will make everyone happy, we deserve the courtesy of being listened to when it is a decision that has such far-reaching changes for every aspect of our community. At the very least, the vote on the proposal as it stands now should be delayed until February. You can email the school board members via Claudia Borgmeyer, Secretary to the Board, at [email protected] ; she can forward your email to each board member. You can also address concerns to Superintendent Brian Mitchell at [email protected] or CFO Jason Hoffman at [email protected] . The board meeting is Monday, January 12, at 6 p.m. at the district office, 315 E. Dunklin. You can share your thoughts and questions at that time as well.
Posted on: Fri, 09 Jan 2015 16:21:52 +0000
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