In a significant development for the Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS), Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood has proposed new school start times for the 202627 academic year. This recommendation aims to address concerns raised by school leaders and staff regarding the current schedule.
Proposed Adjustments to School Start Times
According to JCPS spokesperson Carolyn Callahan, Dr. Yearwood plans to move the district’s school bell schedule 20 minutes earlier across all three tiers. The adjustments are designed to alleviate pressure on educators and improve the overall effectiveness of the school day.
Current vs. Proposed Start Times
The proposed changes to start and dismissal times are as follows:
- Current: 7:30 a.m. 2:10 p.m. | Proposed: 7:10 a.m. 1:50 p.m.
- Current: 8:40 a.m. 3:20 p.m. | Proposed: 8:20 a.m. 3:00 p.m.
- Current: 9:40 a.m. 4:20 p.m. | Proposed: 9:20 a.m. 4:00 p.m.
Context and Historical Changes
This change marks the third adjustment to school start times since the 202324 school year. Initially, JCPS transitioned from a twotiered start time system to a more complex system with nine different start times. A further adjustment was made for the 202425 academic year, resulting in the current threetiered schedule.
Upcoming Board Discussion
Dr. Yearwood is set to present this recommendation at the Jefferson County Board of Education meeting on December 9. The agenda will also cover discussions on potential school closures and consolidations to help address the district’s budget challenges.
This proposal represents a thoughtful approach to improving the school experience for both educators and students. The intention behind the adjustments is to create a conducive learning environment while managing time effectively.