By Adam Studzinski
NORMAL – Students at Unit 5 schools might have to get used to different school start times next year.
That’s one change being looked at by district officials as a way to begin reducing what’s become a $1.3 million structural deficit in the transportation fund. Mark Daniel explained they need to reduce the amount of buses going out, which could mean moving to a two tier school start time.
“We’re not really certain what that start time would be,” said Daniel. “Say it’s elementary first or say it’s high school/Jr. high first, but a two tier system basically sets a elementary system and a secondary system.”
Daniel said they’ll have recommendations for the school board at a meeting later this month.
“Other things that we’re looking at as well: How can we better, perhaps, expand our use with Connect Transit? How can be we better think of utilizing some of our routes?” said Daniel. “Or how we’re transporting our students with special needs.”
Any changes would take effect next school year.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at adam.studzinski@cumulus.com.
