CKSD releases survey findings on changing school start times
In light of research advocating for later school start times, the Central Kitsap School District (CKSD) has been collecting community input on possible schedule changes. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that schools should not start before 8:30 a. m. CKSD conducted two surveys, the first offering five options and the second narrowing it down to two, revealing that while many respondents are open to change, there are concerns about the implications for student safety and after-school activities. A significant number of survey participants were parents, many of whom expressed worries about elementary students waiting for buses in the dark.
Superintendent Erin Prince has highlighted the importance of aligning start times with adolescent sleep needs while also considering the broader impacts on families and district operations. The district's final recommendation is expected in January 2020, with potential implementation in the 2020-21 school year. This process underscores a growing recognition of adolescent health and the need for educational institutions to adapt to research findings, reflecting the balancing act that school districts must perform in addressing the needs of students, families, and educational efficiency.