Seattle schools may change start times — again

School start times in Seattle are under fire, and may be changed again, after a controversial shift in the opening bell last year.

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray stepped in when families complained. Murray proposed $2.3 million in funding to pay for more school buses so the district could shift from three start times to two.

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Last fall, Seattle Public Schools pushed high school start times later, and elementary and middle school start times earlier.

The reasoning was mostly to allow older students get more sleep, something health experts say teenagers need to help them learn.

The changes disturbed many families’ routines and schedules, affecting childcare, and altering after school activities.

Now, things may be changing again.

On Monday, Murray proposed new funding that would allow the school district to eliminate the “third-tier bus” setup.

So, instead of three start times, there would only be two – 9 a.m. for high school students and 8 a.m. for almost all elementary and middle schools.

The proposal has been well-received by the district and some council members, who will have to approve the spending.

Looking at the data, the school district reports that later start times this year have so far led to better attendance at the high school level and reduced levels of discipline.