Burlington Finalizes Plan For Later High School Start Time

BURLINGTON, MA -- The Burlington School Committee made official its anticipated decision to push back the start of classes at the high school to 8:35 beginning in the 2018-19 school year. The board unanimously approved the change Tuesday night, which also requires a change of start times at other schools in the district. The decision mirrors similar moves at high schools throughout the country and was made in light of growing evidence showing the adolescents need more sleep than adults and younger children.

Under the change, school start and dismissal times will be as follows next year:

The changes at the elementary schools allow the district to avoid adding additional buses at a cost of $57,000 per year. The decision comes after months of debate, including meetings with parents and students who had concerns over the changes. Even board members who voted for the proposal Tuesday night did so with some reservations.

School Committee Member Christine Monaco, said she didn't have 100% buy-in with the proposal, as she felt 8:35 was too late and that the new start times would put pressure on families that rely on older students to watch younger siblings after dismissal. She was also concerned that the decision was being based on budgetary concerns.

"I wish we could provide the best education regardless of the dollars," she said.

More on this story...

• Burlington School Committee Signals How It Will Vote On Later High School Start Time Plan (10/24/17)
• Burlington Public Schools Releases Bus Schedule For Later High School Start Time Proposal (9/22/17)
• Vote On Later Start Time For Burlington High School Looming (9/12/17)

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Patch file photo.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).