Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools Superintendent Allen Bourff promised a meeting to discuss the proposal to “flip” school start times, so elementary students would report for school earlier, and secondary students would start the school day later. As it now stands in HSE Schools, secondary students report earlier than those at the elementary level.
Dr. Bourff held that meeting Tuesday night, asking the public to comment on this proposal, emphasizing that no decision on this idea has been made. If a change is made, the school board would need to make a decision no later than February 2020 in order to implement any changes for the 2020-21 school year.
More than 80 people nearly filled the HSE High School College & Career Academy cafeteria to listen to Dr. Bourff’s presentation on the pluses and minuses of flipping school start times. It was then the public’s turn to comment, and 24 people spoke with a two-minute time limit for each speaker.
A clear majority of those choosing to speak were against flipping the schedules and a number of reasons were cited.
Some parents want school officials to study and take into consideration the economic impact this change would have on families where both parents work and the younger children in elementary school would need extra time in day care, increasing the expense.
Some high school students would be getting up to prepare for their high school day after parents have left for work, and some are concerned their high schoolers may not get to school on time without at least one parent home to awaken them.
Other parents are concerned about the new schedule impacting family meal times, as well as impacting extracurricular activities before and after school.
One impact of the new schedule raises issues with high school students with part-time, after school jobs. They would be reporting to work later under this schedule, taking away money earning opportunities.
Dr. Bourff cited a focus group survey of 80 high school students showing a high percentage in favor of starting the school day later. Many parents expressed the view that the sample size was too small to be representative of the student bodies of both high schools.
There were speakers supporting the proposal to flip elementary and secondary start times, citing the positive mental health impact on students when they have more time in the morning hours for sleep. One speaker cited data showing that the later start time for high school students may reduce traffic accidents.
The main takeaway from this community meeting centered on the thoughtful comments expressed by all speakers and the respect shown for the wide range of views.
Dr. Bourff told the crowd that the HSE Schools website will have all the slides presented at the community session, and will accept comments from the public as well as answer questions. Go to “Happenings,” or just use this link.