Escambia sets new school start times
Jun 17, 2008
Presented to board members Monday night during their workshop, the times are:

- Elementary schools: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- High schools: 8:30 a.m. to 3:35 p.m.
- Middle schools: 9:30 a.m. to 4:35 p.m.

North Escambia schools will not be affected by the change, which is the result of the district going to a three-tier bus system to save $1 million. Northview High School, Carver-Century K-8, Ernest Ward Middle School and Bratt and Molino Park elementary schools will remain on a two-tier system.

The schedule is a compromise based on input from parents, teachers, students and administrators, said Shawn Dennis, assistant superintendent of operations.

"No one solution will satisfy the concerns at every level," he said. "This option satisfies the vast majority of issues."

Patty Hightower, board chairwoman, wanted to make certain the district will save $1 million.

"I want to be sure if we go through this chaos, it is going to save us money," she said.

Escambia County resident Elizabeth Lomax asked board members, who do not have to vote on the times, to have elementary students start later.

"I don't think anyone should have to start so early as they will have to wait in the dark," she said.


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