The Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board discussed school start times, bus schedules and related issues for more than 90 minutes at an early morning work session Monday, but the board is no closer to a consensus or staff recommendation on where to go from here.  The longer these decisions are delayed, the more likely it will be that the current schedules may continue into next school year.

Superintendent Allen Bourff told board members he has been involved in internal discussions about the start time changes and bus system redesign since he assumed the HSE position in 2015.  Bourff also said the complexity of the various options has led to difficulty in communicating with the public on all the options.

Bourff cited several reasons why schedule changes are being considered by the school district.

First, there is scientific sleep research data that suggests that the school district should make some changes in the daily class schedules.

Second, Bourff says schedule changes can lead to better support of teacher professional development.

Third, there is a constant shortage of school bus drivers in the HSE School District, so redesigning the bus schedule can ease that shortage  by “economizing” the routes.

Finally, a redesigned bus routing system could also create more flexibility for all transportation routes. such as shuttle service between school buildings.

Surveys indicate abut 60% of the respondents do not favor a 3-tier bus scheduling system as proposed, while about 40% favor such a change.  Bourff says many in the community have questioned the reliability of those survey results.

The board is grappling with two concepts – “flipping” start times with elementary students reporting for class earlier with those at the secondary level starting classes later, and going to a 3-tier bus scheduling system.  Both can have an impact on the start and end time of classes each day.

The board held a robust discussion, looking at all proposals from a number of different angles.  After the session ended, Bourff emphasized that the agenda item on Wednesday night’s regular board meeting will remain a discussion item with no action expected.

Scott Spillman of Mudsock Sports told board members moving the secondary class day later could have an impact on the availability of gymnasiums for his group’s indoor programs and could complicate the schedules of volunteer coaches.

School administrators will put together a recommendation for the board, but it will not likely happen soon.