Manhattan-Ogden Board Adjusts School Start Times Amid Controversy

The Manhattan-Ogden Board of Education has confirmed that it acted within its legal rights when it voted to alter the district’s school start times for the upcoming academic year. During a meeting on December 17, 2023, the board voted 5-2 to implement a new schedule that will see elementary school start times moved over an hour earlier, while middle and high school start times will be pushed back.

The decision was largely driven by a shortage of school bus drivers. The district anticipates that a three-tiered busing system, which allows for different start times, will reduce the number of drivers required. Despite these logistical improvements, the board has faced significant backlash from parents, some of whom argue that the board did not follow proper procedures to approve the change.

Critics point out that while the board typically requires two votes for substantial changes, the adjustment was made after the initial approval on December 3, 2023. They contend that the alterations should have been treated as a new motion. In response to these concerns, Kristin Brighton, the board president, stated in a recent interview, “The reason we have a second reading in the first place is to allow the board to have a chance to make changes. Otherwise, there would be no point in doing it.”

Parents of elementary students have been particularly vocal, citing issues with early start times impacting childcare arrangements and the safety of young children traveling in darkness during certain seasons. Brighton acknowledged these concerns but emphasized that the board had received support from school administrators advocating for earlier start times to enhance learning outcomes.

“We knew no matter what, we wouldn’t make everyone happy,” Brighton noted. “But we had principals of elementary kids saying earlier was the best decision for learning. We kind of had to go with that.”

Research supports the idea that later start times benefit teenagers. Still, Brighton expressed empathy for parents who may need to revise their childcare strategies. With eight months before the new schedule takes effect, she hopes families will adapt accordingly.

Brighton has also communicated with leaders from local organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Club, who indicated that staffing morning programs would be less of a burden under the new schedule. This change could lead to increased capacity for after-school programs, which Brighton highlighted as a positive development.

“I called a lot of dance companies and things,” she said. “If we can start activities at 15:30 instead of 16:30, that may help some working parents.”

Looking ahead, Brighton indicated that while it is unlikely the board will revisit this issue shortly, they could consider adjustments after evaluating the impact of the new schedule over the year. “If we do it for a year and we don’t like it, we can change it,” she added.

The upcoming school board meeting will see the introduction of two new members, Lew Faust and Courtney Jane Hochman, who will replace outgoing members Christine Weixelman and Karla Hagemeister. Board member Jayme Morris-Hardeman was re-elected, ensuring continuity as the board navigates this contentious transition.