News

BPS schedules meetings next week for parents

BOSTON — In light of the controversial schedule changes proposed by the Boston Public Schools system, Superintendent Tommy Chang has invited parents for a discussion over their opinions on the new start and end times.

On Friday, Dec. 15, Chang issued a letter to families, updating them on the current situation of the school start and end time scheduling for the 2018-19 school year.

The statement says, in part that:

"BPS believes the start and end times policy is a sound one. We are committed to creating an equitable bell times schedule that helps all students reach their full potential. Passed by the Boston School Committee on December 6, the policy prioritizes the following: starting secondary schools after 8:00 AM, dismissing elementary school students before 4:00 PM, prioritizing students with special needs and medical issues, reinvestment into classrooms, and before and after school programming. BPS plans to adhere to this policy."

BPS says they're committed to addressing the input they've received from parents and are trying to find solutions to the concerns the new measure poses.

Schedules will be finalized mid-January, but BPS hopes there will be enough time for the district to work through the issues that have been raised concerning the start and end times.

In order to do so, the Boston School Committee has scheduled 10 meetings to be held next week, which you can find on their website by clicking on this link. 

The committee also states there will be an update to the School Committee at its proposed January 10 meeting on the status of the efforts regarding the new schedules, and the district will make sure to communicate with families and school leaders throughout this process.

The school district has made information available online that can be accessed via their website at bostonpublicschools.org/starttimes for all the latest updates on the new schedules. Additionally, parents can email starttimes@bostonpublicschools.org with any and all inquiries.