Spokane schools propose earlier start times for middle schoolers

SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane Public Schools is asking parents to weigh in on a schedule change that could reshape morning routines across the district.

Under the proposed plan, middle school students would start their day at 7:30 a.m., compared to the current 9 a.m. start time. High school would begin at 8:15 a.m. instead of 8 a.m., while elementary school would move to 9 a.m. from its current 8:30 a.m. start.

The district sent out a survey to gather feedback on the new schedule, which the district said could improve efficiency and reduce costs.

The school district said transportation is a major factor in determining start times.

Starting next school year, the school district plans to operate its own bus system, rather than contracting with a third-party company. That change will already save up to $5 million over the course of five years.

By reconfiguring schedules, the district estimates it could further cut transportation costs by nearly $1 million each year. The goal, the district said, would be to put that money toward classrooms and students.

The district has been looking into this schedule change since 2024. Starting in January, a group of parents, staff, students and other stakeholders met eight times to discuss different schedule options. The proposed schedule included on the survey was the option the group chose to pass on to the community for further feedback.

However, not all parents embrace the earlier schedule. Emma Jackson, whose son will enter middle school next year, expressed concerns about the 7:30 a.m. start time.

“I just anticipate being a bit of a rodeo in the morning trying to get my son off to school that early,” Jackson said.

Jackson acknowledged the district’s financial pressures but remains worried about the ripple effects on families. She said she’s worried about kids’ sleep schedules and parents’ work schedules.

“As a parent, it’ll make my life a little bit harder. But of course, we’d figure it out. But I feel that’s early,” Jackson said.

Katie Nichols, another parent who homeschools her children but enrolls them in some classes at public schools, said the new schedule would create logistical challenges for her family.

“It creates kind of an unorganized, scattered schedule for somebody like me that is gonna bring my kids, drop them off, pick them up,” Nichols said.

The district has not made a final decision on the schedule change. It is seeking input through the online survey and plans to gather feedback over several more months before making any commitments.

The school board will discuss the feedback collected so far during its meeting next Wednesday.