Meetings this week on school changes
Staff Report
IPS officials are considering starting middle and high school nearly two hours later than current start times and will hold the first of four public meetings today to hear parents’ concerns
Start times for middle and high schoolers would be 9:40 a.m. as opposed to starting at 7:20 a.m. Officials say current start times go against recent medical studies, specifically one conducted by The American Academy of Pediatrics, that recommend a start time of no earlier than 8:30 a.m. for middle and high school students.
“This is a research study that says adolescents learn better with a later start time,” said Manny Mendez, transportation director for IPS. “It also shows younger students learn better as well.”
Public comment meetings will be held each evening from tonight to this Thursday.
Currently, IPS buses transport more than 20,000 students on a three-tier system. Middle and high schools start classes at 7:20 a.m., and elementary schools go into session at 8:15 a.m. or 9:20 a.m.
In addition, district leaders are also concerned about the possible impact on bus stops due to new changes that could make commute times longer.
Next school year, high school students will start a new All-Choice model where they will be able to choose their school based on the academic programs offered instead of where they live. Buses will pick up students and transport them across the city. This, officials estimate, will make the average ride time an hour and two minutes.
IPS also recently announced plans to close three of its high schools, leaving four high schools total as part of the new model. That could change bus routes and make commutes much longer for some students.
“We’re looking to overcome some strained resources,” said Mendez. “We would like to consolidate some bus stops.”
Mendez noted the IPS board asked him to study the viability of having later start times.
“We believe that now is the perfect time to incorporate that possibility into school choice,” he said.
When asked about the reception IPS has received so far from parents and other concerned people in the community, Mendez said public opinion about the proposed changes has been split.
“But that’s why we have the community meetings,” he stated. “It’s important for us to have as much input as possible to present to the board. I want to let them know all the facts that I find and present all the options to help them make a final decision.”
Mendez strongly encourages everyone to attend the meetings. After those meetings, the school board will decide what changes will be put in place.
Also on the agenda will be possible new start times for elementary school students, and IPS welcomes suggestions on that topic as well.
The public is invited to attend the following meetings:
• 6 p.m. Feb. 26 at New Wineskin Ministries – 4501 38th St.
• 6 p.m. Feb. 27 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church – 6050 N. Meridian St.
• 6 p.m. Feb. 28 at Community Alliance Far Eastside – 8902 E. 38th St.
• 6 p.m. March 1 at Julia Carson Government Center – 300 E. Fall Creek Pkwy N. Dr.
