DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - The school board has delayed a vote on a proposal to change public school starting times in Des Moines.
The board decided Tuesday that it needed more information on what a later start would do to the busing of special education students. The board is expected to discuss alternatives and perhaps vote as soon as April 18.
Under the proposal, elementary schools would begin at 7:50 a.m., roughly 30 minutes to an hour earlier. Middle schools would start at 8:35 a.m., 50 minutes later, and high schools would start at 8:30 a.m., also 50 minutes later. The proposal would take effect either for the 2017-18 or 2018-19 school years.
Officials say research shows the later starting times would better align with teenagers’ natural sleep schedules.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.