The Seattle School Board adopted a resolution last
spring directing the Superintendent to analyze district systems to
determine the feasibility and impacts of later start times for
adolescents. School schedules are interdependent on numerous systemwide
factors involving transportation, before and after school programs,
staff contracts and family schedules. SPS is engaging stakeholders –
teachers, students, principals, community partners and others – in order
to determine the full benefits and consequences of changing start and
end times.
A Bell Times Advisory Task Force with a wide range of representatives
has begun the process of studying the issue and gathering input. The
committee will ultimately provide analysis and recommendations to
Superintendent Larry Nyland. The superintendent will develop a final
recommendation based on district staff and community input, a detailed
analysis on operational impacts, and the work of the task force, with
additional opportunities for stakeholder input. The outcome of this work
is to maximize the conditions for student learning, health and
achievement.
A Bell Times Fact Sheet lists the current schedule of start and end times as well as a timeline for this work.
To learn more about this initiative, please visit the Bell Times Advisory Task Force webpage