Large-scale bell schedule changes for the 2023-24 school year are being thoughtfully considered due to transportation challenges that continue to exist districtwide. Inequitable access to student programs, long ride times and delayed pick-up and drop-off times have highlighted that transportation resources are not being used efficiently. This is having a direct impact on student-family bus riding experience, staff recruitment and employee retention.

Since September, a task force has been studying transportation challenges in each region. This work has revealed that the existing bell schedule has created an inefficient transportation system resulting in inconsistent, unreliable, and inequitable services for students, families, and staff. As a result, large-scale bell schedule changes and the effects on staff, students and families are being evaluated.

We realize that any change in bell schedules is disruptive, which is why your feedback is critical during this planning and decision-making process. As this work evolves, our goal is to provide information to assist in understanding the problem, alternatives, opportunities and solutions – with a promise that we will keep everyone informed every step of the way.

What’s next?

As this work continues, a variety of stakeholder engagement opportunities will be implemented.

- Participate in an online survey: Effective immediately, we are asking families to provide input on their child’s current bus rider experience and school bell schedule via this online survey.

Click here to take our bell time survey. It is available in English, Spanish, Punjabi, Korean, Russian, and Ukrainian by clicking the translate button on the upper right of the survey page. The survey will be open for a two-week period, closing on February 1.

- Tune in to a virtual informational event: Families are encouraged to attend one of three virtual informational events. Events will include a pre-recorded presentation and an opportunity to ask questions in a monitored community chat session.

Jan. 23, from 12-1:30 p.m. via Zoom link here

Jan. 26, from 4:30-6 p.m. via Zoom link here
(event may end early, dependent on Q&A session)

Jan. 31, from 6-7:30 p.m. via Zoom link here
(event may end early, dependent on Q&A session)

Informational events will cover …

- Why this work is necessary

- Logistical challenges with current bell schedule model

- Bell time considerations and possible scenarios

- Research on later school start times for secondary students

- Decision-making timeline

- Stay connected as the work continues: A second engagement survey will be distributed in late March which will provide an opportunity to review bell schedule proposals and provide feedback again before going to the School Board in April for approval.

Questions, concerns, or feedback? Email [email protected].

Thank you for your partnership. We are confident that this important work will positively impact student ride times and overall bus riding experience while increasing transportation efficiencies districtwide.