RENO — As part of a reform effort to maintain academic momentum in light of a shrinking budget, the Washoe County School District is considering changes to the academic calendar and school bell schedules that would provide more learning time for local students and possibly save the district money.

Though the school calendar for the 2011-12 school year already has been approved by the WCSD board of trustees and will remain unchanged, bell schedules could be shifted slightly.

According to senior administrator Rick Harris, the district is exploring all aspects of operations to find ways to improve efficiency and save money, while at the same time meeting the needs of students and parents.

“One way that has been identified is to change the school day start and end times, also known as the bell schedule, at most schools,” Harris wrote in an email. “(This) will increase the efficiency of our school bus service by using fewer buses to serve our schools.” 

The district is considering two alternative bell schedules, which could go into effect as early as July at schools on a year-round schedule and at the beginning of the 2011-12 school year at traditional schools, Harris said.

“We have heard concerns from parents about the early start times for middle school students and both options address this issue by having middle schools start at a later hour,” he said. “Additionally, the proposed options increase class time for elementary students and, at a time when the district is facing budget challenges, these proposals are more cost effective.”

Parents of middle school students have voiced concern at numerous WCSD board meetings about their children’s safety. Especially on winter mornings, students often board the bus before the sun rises.

“There are some stops where we pick up at 6 a.m.,” Harris said, adding that the voice of the parents has been heard “loud and clear.”

Harris said schedule options being considered are:

Option 1

• Middle schools would start at 9:30 a.m. and end at 4 p.m.

• High schools would start at 7:30 a.m. and end at 2 p.m.

• Elementary schools would have one of two different bell schedules. Depending on the school, students would begin class at 8:15 a.m. and end at 2:45 p.m. or start at 9 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m. A decision for each elementary school’s schedule would be determined by transportation logistics when the district decides whether to move forward with the schedule changes.

 

Option 2

• Middle schools would start at 9:30 a.m. and end at 4 p.m.

• High schools would start at 7:45 a.m. and end at 2:15 p.m.

•  Elementary schools would have one of two different bell schedules. Depending on the school, students would begin class at 8:15 a.m. and end at 2:45 p.m. or start at 9 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m. A decision for each elementary school’s schedule would be determined by transportation logistics when the district decides whether to move forward with the bell schedule changes.

Both options would not change the bell schedule for Incline schools, Gerlach schools or Natchez Elementary School, Harris added.

Between 20,000 and 22,000 Washoe County students ride the bus to school, Harris said. By changing bell schedules, the district would be able to eliminate a number of bus routes and add 30 minutes of instruction time at elementary schools. The changes would result in $250,000 in savings annually, he said.

The WCSD board of trustees will vote on the bell schedule matter at its May 24 meeting. Between now and then, school officials will be gathering as much public input as possible. A survey for parents and community members regarding proposed bell schedule changes will be available this afternoon on the district’s website at www.washoe.k12.nv.us, and each school will be holding parent-staff meetings prior to the May 24 board meeting, Harris said.

According to Steven Hull, chief community engagement and communications officer, the WCSD is considering three calendar change options but will not consider implementing any of those changes until 2013. In the meantime, the district will continue to meet with community members and conduct research to determine which option would be the most beneficial to all parties involved.

Option one is to make no calendar change and keep the current schedules.

Option two would include three weeks of concentrated learning time following winter break. Schools would start early in August and the first semester would conclude before winter break. School would end in early June. This option would include one three-week remediation/enrichment period between semesters, right after a two-week vacation.

Option three would be three-week learning periods spread throughout the year. School would begin in August, with the first semester ending before winter break. School would end in mid-June. Three one-week remediation/enrichment periods would take place between semesters.

The district recently conducted a community outreach survey about the calendar changes and out of 3,700 respondents, 47 percent were in favor of option one and 47 percent were opposed. Forty-four percent supported option two, with 51 percent opposed. Fifty-eight percent were in favor of option three, with 38 percent opposed. Respondents expressed concerns about the district’s ability to pay for extra instruction, availability of child care and transportation issues.