After discussions during the previous school year about adjusting start times for schools as a solution for the bus driver shortage, the Olathe School District has given parents an update on the current situation.
“The district plans to reconvene this conversation around a change to school start and end times this fall,” Olathe Public Schools wrote. “In the coming weeks, you will receive a survey to provide feedback on new schedule options for the 2024-25 school year.”
Committees will be formed in three levels for elementary, middle and high schools, consisting of parents, teachers, administrators and staff members.
The district will meet with these groups to create recommended start and end times for each school, and aim to have the proposals finished by the end of the semester.
“This would provide the district, our families and our staff with a full semester and summer to make necessary plans and adjustments for the new schedule to roll out in the 2024-25 school year,” the email continued.
The email also addresses the concern over the impact changing times will have on families and students.
“As a district, we recognize that any solution to our transportation service challenges will directly impact our students, staff and families. However, we are in a position where tough decisions have to be made,” the Olathe Public Schools said.
Art teacher Kelsey LaPorte is open to the possibility of starting earlier.
“I actually kinda like the idea of starting earlier for high school,” LaPorte said. “I do live far, so getting up earlier would not be great, but I grew up in Lee Summit and we always started earlier.”
Starting earlier will also mean getting out earlier in the afternoon. Some prefer this over starting later.
“I’d rather get out earlier than stay later,” LaPorte said. “That’s kinda my perspective, but I also do enjoy the time we have now, it doesn’t bother me. But if we’d have to change it I’d prefer to be earlier then get out later.”
The district enclosed a video in the email from Superintendent Dr. Brent Yeager for more information on the updates, as well as a small timeline for the surveys starting in September, and ending in December.
