Spokane Schools Rethink Start Times | Spokane News

Spokane Public Schools is overhauling its school start times and busing strategy to slash transportation costs—thanks to a new state law that spiked private bus fees. They’re buying their own fleet, ditching contract partner Zum, and rolling out a staggered schedule: middle schools starting as early as 7:30 AM, elementary at 9 AM, with 45-minute gaps between groups. The goal? Save nearly $1 million annually while giving students more after-school time. But the move sparks debate: some worry about teen brain development, while the district cites research linking later starts to better sleep—and notes Spokane’s middle schools already start later than most in the region. Families are caught in the middle, and the district plans to gather more student feedback before finalizing changes. It’s a tightrope walk between budget cuts and student well-being. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/61ab461888bc6a3f