Editorial | Sounds like a plan
The Lee County School District is planning to adjust school bell times next year, something that will impact students and families.
The proposed changes do have a down side — many elementary students will start their days later, which may affect working parents.
There also is the potential for a pretty significant upside.
District officials say kids will get to school on time.
And they won’t be waiting for late buses to get home.
At last count, nearly 8,000 students among the district’s 47,000 bus riders arrive late to school each day.
Approximately 18,800 are picked up late for their ride home from school.
These daily numbers — which compute to on-time arrival averages of 83% and 60% respectively — are wholly unacceptable, which the district acknowledges.
To rectify the problem — and to pick up a tad more classroom time — the district plans to convert its two-tiered transportation system to a three-tiered system.
District officials say the change will mitigate the challenge it has of hiring enough bus drivers.
It will be safer for students, particularly younger ones who should not be waiting at bus stops for a ride to school.
It also will help make sure kids arrive ready to learn instead of stressed and tardy.
We urge district officials to continue their efforts to make sure before- and after-school care programs are tweaked accordingly
But count us among those with fingers crossed.
Breeze editorial