Charleston County Schools Considering Start Time Changes
Charleston, S.C. – The Charleston County School District (CCSD) is currently exploring the possibility of changing the start times for schools in several areas, including Hollywood, Ravenel, West Ashley, and Johns Island. This initiative is part of an ongoing discussion regarding school schedules that has been taking place across the district.
What’s Being Proposed
Currently, middle and high schools in Districts 9, 10, and 23 operate from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., while elementary schools run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.. The district is hosting community listening circles to gather feedback from families and staff on the proposal to adjust these times. The latest meeting took place at West Ashley High School on Tuesday, where over a dozen stakeholders attended.
Why the Change?
District representative Rich Gordon emphasized that this conversation about changing school start times is not limited to one specific area but is being discussed across different districts. The current bell schedules in Districts 9, 10, and 23 differ from others in the district, which typically see elementary school bell times starting by 7:30 a.m. and secondary schools starting at 8:30 a.m..
Community Feedback
Community members at the meeting expressed a range of opinions about the potential changes. Jessica Burnside, a teacher and parent, voiced her support for keeping the current schedule. She noted that it allows older siblings to be home earlier to assist with younger children and enables them to participate in afterschool jobs or activities.
One high school student shared concerns about the proposed changes, stating, “We’re going to end up waking up at the exact same times, getting them up for school and then getting ourselves to school.” This sentiment reflects a common worry among students that a shift in start times may result in longer days without substantial benefits.
Conversely, other parents advocate for shifting the start times, suggesting it would contribute positively to the sleep schedules of teenagers. One parent highlighted, “What I think the benefit is for kids at high school age…the data shows it benefits them a lot.” This belief is based on research indicating that later start times could improve academic performance and overall well-being among adolescents.
The Way Forward
In response to the various opinions presented, attendees requested further clarity on the reasoning behind the proposed changes. They asked for transparent data analysis and assessment projections to better understand the potential outcomes of altering school start times. In 2015, a similar discussion occurred regarding school times for schools in Johns Island, West Ashley, and North Charleston, gathering significant community interest.
The district is committed to expanding discussions and collecting ongoing feedback. CCSD plans to review all comments and survey responses, which currently exceed 2,300, by January 3. This timeline is crucial as it provides a framework for making an informed decision regarding any changes to the school hours.
Conclusion
The consideration to change start times in Charleston County schools is underway, highlighting differing opinions from community members. As the district gathers further input, the future of school start times remains uncertain, with a commitment to ensure any adjustments meet the needs of students and families alike.
