[Durham INC] Fw: DPS 3-tier busing meeting 11-09-10

[Melissa Rooney]

See below. Thanks! Melissa



Good afternoon,
The Durham County Board of Education is considering a 3-tier bus
schedule to improve academic performance and transportation
efficiency.  The proposal, which will stagger start and dismissal
times, is based on the following:
. Current studies reveal high school students may perform better if
schools start later . Some elementary and middle schools have
requested a longer instructional day . Improved transportation
efficiency would result in an increase in state funds, lessening the
burden on local funding

A community input session is scheduled for November 9, 6:30- 7:30 p.m.
at the Staff Development Center, 2107 Hillandale Rd.

Parents and community members may also email feedback to
3tier at dpsnc.net.

Thank you.

Tahira Stalberte
Chief Communications Officer
Durham Public Schools
P. 919.560.9112
C. 919.358.8876
F. 919.560.2007
www.dpsnc.net
tahira.stalberte at dpsnc.net

Durham Public Schools is considering staggering school start and
dismissal times to improve learning and transportation efficiency for
the following reasons:
. Current studies reveal high school students may perform better if
schools start later.
. Elementary and middle schools have requested a longer instructional
day.
. Improved transportation efficiency would result in an increase in
state funds, lessening the burden on local funding.

The Board of Education is seeking public input regarding this
proposal. Important factors being considered in this proposal are
outlined below.

Transportation Services "3 Tier" Busing Options

Operational Considerations

Current School Hours
. Elementary: 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
. Middle: 7:30 a.m. - 2:20 p.m.
. High: 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Proposed School Hours
. Elementary: Varied start times
(Elementary start times range from 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.;  Dismissal times
range from 2:15 - 4:00 p.m.) . Middle: 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
. High: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Operational Constraints
. Morning and afternoon bus schedules may be different . Length and
distance of routes . Arrival time 20-30 minutes prior to school start
time . Students dropped-off with NOAH (no one at home) . Time needed
between routes need to allow buses to arrive on schedule .
Transportation for magnet programs complicates schedules

Decision Making Considerations
. Maintain safe and on time transportation for all students . Studies
highlighting adolescent sleep and learning habits . Effect on
students' after school activities (work, athletics) . Changes to
"school-based" childcare programs . Earlier start times for elementary
schools mean some students will be picked up in the dark.
. Effect of time changes on families
. Maximizing transportation efficiency
. Impact of field trips and other programs . Transportation for magnet
programs complicates schedules


      
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