Most are dissatisfied with elementary school start times

(ABC 6 News) – The Rochester Public School Board heard survey results Tuesday night about community reaction to new school start times. The district changed start times this time last year, but recent survey results show 97 percent of staff and around 60 percent of parents are dissatisfied with late elementary school start times.

They say it negatively impacts young students’ ability to learn. Explaining that by 2 p.m. many children are tired. Some parents are also concerned for students safety. They’re riding the bus home around 5pm as it’s getting dark.

"Since we founded this schedule there has been a considerable amount of pushback from students and staff in the elementary level. I would absolutely at this point agree that the board needs to reconsider the start times," said School Board Chair Jean Marvin.

The middle and high school surveys conducted were more neutral. If the board moved forward with changing start times again, Interim Superintendent Kent Pekel said they would conduct additional surveys, and a cost analysis.