The Hastings & Prince Edward District School Board is still soliciting public feedback on plans to change start times to three North Hastings schools. It also says whatever changes are made will be announced next month.
A public meeting to discuss the board’s Student Transportation Review was held in Bancroft Monday. Parents there heard about a proposal to have earlier start times for North Hastings High School and York River Public School, plus a later start time for Bird’s Creek Public School.
A PDF of the Transportation Review and a form to submit your thoughts and questions are now available online.
A slideshow explained that the board has a transportation deficit of $1.7 million this year, and having more staggered start times can lead to a savings of nearly $700,000.
The North Hastings proposal would see the elimination of four school buses. It would allow some buses to drop kids off at York River Public School and North Hastings High School, which would become “early schools.” Those buses would then pick up Bird’s Creek students, who would have a later start time.
The board is still soliciting feedback on the plan up until March 28. The board says “viable changes” will be announced in April. The changes, if approved, would start next school year.
