By Adam Studzinski
NORMAL – Unit 5 parents are concerned with a possibility of different school day start times.
One proposal would have elementary schools start at 7:40 a.m., high schools start at 8:25 a.m., and junior highs begin at 8:40 a.m. The changes are being looked at as a way to help Unit 5 fill a $1.3 million structural deficit, which is the result of a lack of state funding in previous years.
Speaking during Wednesday night’s Board of Education meeting, Ben Mullins expressed concern many younger students would be picked up before dawn.
“There is a great opportunity for them to be struck by a vehicle, or even abducted,” he said.
Mullins and other parents said the earlier start time, and subsequent earlier end of school time, would add the financial burden of putting children in an after school program.
Unit 5 does have a second proposal which would have high school start at 7:15 a.m., junior high at 8 a.m. and elementary at 9 a.m.
Superintendent Mark Daniel said the process isn’t over yet.
“We do not have all the answers. This is a very complex process,” said Daniel. “We know it impacts literally every one of our families.”
Daniel is pushing to have the board vote on the issue within the next couple weeks.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at adam.studzinski@cumulus.com.
