The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends later start times for high school students in order to improve their academic performance. But, for Seattle schools, achieving this recommendation isn’t simply a matter of pushing back the start times for the high schools.
In order to remain cost-neutral and not increase transportation costs, SPS superintendent Larry Nyland has put forth a proposal that would affect some Seattle elementary and K-8 schools as well, the Seattle Times reports. He will introduce the proposal to at the school board’s meeting Wednesday evening. High schools would begin at 8:50 a.m., as per the Academy of Pediatric's recommendation, as would most middle schools. Most elementary schools would begin at 8 am. Under Nyland's plan, however, 10 elementary schools and three K-8 schools will start at 9:40 a.m. to hold down transportation costs, something that has some parents very unhappy and planning to object at the board meeting.
The proposal will go to a school board vote on Nov. 4.
