New School Start Times Pushed Back A Year By Lower Merion School Board

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA — The Lower Merion Board of School Directors Monday voted to adopt new school start times, but for a later year.

The board voted 7-2 Monday to implement new school start times for the 2024-25 school year.

Monday's vote was intended to implement new start times for the 2023-24 year.

But for the next school year, high school begins at 7:30 a.m., middle school at 8:15 a.m., and elementary school at 9 a.m.

The new start time proposal has high schoolers starting at 8:40 a.m., elementary students at 9:20 a.m., and middle schoolers at 8 a.m.

Dismissal times are 3:30 p.m. for high schools, 4:05 p.m. for elementary schools, and 2:50 p.m. for middle schools.

High schoolers and middle schoolers would get 6 hours and 50 minutes of learning time per day, while elementary students would get 6 hours and 45 minutes.

The board requested shifts to the plan Monday, however.

Amendments include ending elementary school days at 3:50 p.m.; providing before-school childcare supports for elementary students and their families; considering a slightly earlier middle school start, if necessary, to ensure that no school ends after 4 p.m.; and ensuring that educators are supported during the transition to the new schedule with choice, agency and voice in the planning and implementation.

On May 8 and June 20, the district will provide updates to the board and community on incorporating these modifications into a final plan for a September 2024 change in school start times.

The board expects to vote on that plan with in early summer 2023, to allow for its implementation in September 2024.

"It is also important to note that school start times are one of many ways we are addressing student safety, mental and physical wellness, and sense of belonging," Acting Superintendent Megan E. Shafer said. "While we plan to operationalize a new schedule for September 2024, we will also work on initiatives including educating students and families about healthy sleep habits, managing screen time, maintaining healthy diets and exercise routines, and practicing mindfulness."

District families can email questions, comments, or concerns about the start times to communitycomments@lmsd.org.