Start Times to change for SHSD 2010-11 School Year
Steilacoom Historic School District school board members blame an anticipated transportation budget shortfall and problems with the current bus system for their recent decision to change school start times for the 2010-2011 school year. The board voted May 25 in favor of implementing a proposal that would change the school start times. The most noticeable start time involves Steilacoom High School, which next year will begin its school day at 7:25 am. That’s about a 50 minute change from its current 8:15 am start this school year.
Transportation costs have forced the District to adjust start times for the 2010-11 school year.
Board members said the school start time change will allow buses to be used more efficiently and resolve bus transportation issues involving students at Saltar’s Point Elementary in Steilacoom. According to information provided by the Steilacoom Historical School District, the change will save the district more than $157,000. Only 18 buses will be needed with the new system.
“It’s a tough decision, but the current busing system is not working,” board member Mike Winkler said following the meeting.
Board member Jeni Martinez said the change might be unpopular with some parents but it is necessary.
“Not everyone will be happy with the decision, (but) it helps solve (the problem of) unsupervised children (at Saltar’s) and frees up money,” she said.
The following are the new school start and end times for the 2010-2011 school year:
Steilacoom High School 7:25 am to 1:55 pm
Pioneer Middle School 8:10 am to 240 pm
Saltar’s Point Elementary School 8:45 am to 3:15 pm
Chloe Clark Elementary School 9:15 am to 3:45 pm
Cherrydale Elementary School 9:15 am to 3:45 pm
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