SPOKANE, Wash – We’re just two weeks into the 2026-2027 school year and Spokane Schools is already thinking ahead to next year. Those discussions include changing what time kids start school next fall.
Spokane Schools sent a survey home to parents Tuesday, asking them to share their thoughts on new start times.
SPS is having this discussion because it’s taking over busing next year.
“As we build our new transportation system, we have an opportunity to create school schedules and bus routes that work better for students, families and staff,” the email said.
SPS convened a work group earlier this year to consider everything from cost to student experience and came up with several models.
The district says the model getting the most attention is:
Middle School: 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.High School: 8:15 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.Elementary School: 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m
Right now, middle schools run from 9 am to 3:30 pm. High school students go from 8 am to 2:30 pm and elementary schools go from 8:30 am to 3 pm.
“The 45-minute spacing between tiers allows the same buses to complete a route for one group of schools and then serve another,” SPS told 4 News Now in an email Wednesday. “That makes more efficient use of the district’s bus fleet and transportation team.”
“SPS could maintain the current schedule, but doing so would require a more expensive transportation model, including more buses, drivers and other resources. The three-tier model also more closely resembles schedules used by surrounding districts and similarly sized districts across Washington.
SPS recognizes that changing school times would affect family routines, childcare, work schedules and extracurricular activities. Those impacts have been a central part of the evaluation.”
SPS wants parents to take the survey and results will be shared at an upcoming school board meeting.
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