JCPS expected to make decision on start times during May board meeting

LOUISIVLLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Jefferson County Public Schools parents waiting to find out when their kids' schools will start in the morning and end in the afternoon for next year will have to wait awhile longer.

Some hoped the Jefferson County Board of Education would make a decision at Tuesday's board meeting, following approval of next year's transportation plan the week before, but start times were not discussed.

"One day it's like we're going to make a plan and eliminate busing, then three days later it's like we gotta figure out start times," said JCPS parent Betsy Darby.

Her son is a freshman at Manual High School, but will no longer have a ride to school starting next year after the board voted to cut transportation for all magnet and traditional students, except for those who attend Central or Western high schools.

Darby, like many other working parents, said without finalized start and end times, it is difficult for her to plan how her son will get to and from school next year.

"It seems to change so much," Darby said. "Honestly, I have to not think about it as much as I probably want to focus on making a plan."

Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio said he hopes the board will approve a plan, expected to be brought forward at the next meeting on May 7.

"Without a doubt we have to get that to them at the next board meeting," Pollio said.

Board member Linda Duncan has previously told WDRB News the plans around start times include consolidation. Going from nine times down to three, 7:30 a.m., 8:40 a.m. and 9:40 a.m.

Duncan said the possible schedule could be most elementary schools start at 7:30 a.m., all high schools and most middle schools at 8:40 a.m., and the remaining elementary and middle schools at 9:40 a.m.

"You're balancing out efficiency versus kind of the desired start times of everybody," Pollio said. "Unfortunately you have to have 9:40 start times."

While it gives Darby something to work with, she can't start planning until the decision is official.

"I would really like them (to) let everyone sit at the same table at the same time and figure it out," Darby said.

Consolidating start times was one of the recommendations made by Prismatic Solutions, the audit company that reviewed JCPS' transportation mess.

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