The Board of Education unanimously approved a 15-minute adjustment to secondary school start and dismissal times, effective September 2026 (excluding Central School). Under the new schedule, secondary schools will begin at 9:15 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m., maintaining the current instructional time. The change supports a more efficient transportation system, increases capacity on existing bus routes, and is expected to reduce annual transportation costs by nearly $500,000 while improving service for students across the district.
The decision follows public engagement that included feedback from over 1,200 parents, caregivers, students, staff, and community members. The Board is grateful to everyone who took the time to share their perspectives.
"We heard thoughtful feedback from all sides of this discussion," said Board Chair Valene Johnson. "Participants told us that student well-being, transportation reliability, extracurricular opportunities, and family schedules all matter. Trustees carefully considered those priorities before reaching this decision."
The Board recognizes that a later dismissal time will require adjustments for some students and families. Feedback identified concerns related to after-school employment, athletics, extracurricular activities, childcare, and family routines. These concerns were a key part of the Board's deliberations.
"While this is a relatively small adjustment to the school day, we understand that even a 15-minute shift can affect students and families in different ways," said Johnson. "We do not dismiss those impacts. At the same time, the Board believes the overall benefits to student well-being and sustainable transportation services support moving forward."
As implementation begins, schools and district staff will work with students, families, employee groups, and community partners to support a smooth transition. The Board appreciates the engagement shown throughout this process and remains committed to making decisions that support student success while responsibly stewarding public resources.