Changes Proposed for Salmon Bay School Start Times
Now that the new school boundaries have been approved by the school Board, Seattle Public Schools staff have begun working on the details of moving into what is now called the New Student Assignment Plan, or NSAP. District staff presented a proposed NSAP Transition Plan for the first year, 2010-11, to the Board on Dec. 16.
The Transition Plan proposes that the start time for Salmon Bay and TOPS be adjusted for at least the next two years to a “Tier 1” start. (District transportation is organized into two tiers to maximize efficiencies of buses and routes.) That would change Salmon Bay's school day hours to 8:20a-2:45p.
Both Jodee's email to parents on December 17th and its attached letter from Don Kennedy at SPS describe the factors leading to this proposal. In general, the District staff anticipates this change to bring money-saving efficiency to the bus system. This helps address the budget deficit and the need for grandfathering transportation to some families.
Tom Bishop, SPS’s head of Transportation, is coming to Salmon Bay to explain the proposal to us and respond to our questions on Tuesday, January 5 at 7:00 pm in the cafeteria. This change would affect all of us here at Salmon Bay, many families significantly, so if you want to stay informed and have a chance to ask questions, this meeting will offer a unique opportunity. Mr. Bishop's appearance and conversation is timely, as the Board is moving fast on this proposed Transition Plan.
The proposal will be formally presented to the School Board on January 6, and the Board is scheduled to vote on the proposal on January 20. The TOPS community has been invited to hear Mr. Bishop as well, so the evening also offers a chance to expand our alternative school social circles.
The Transition Plan proposes that the start time for Salmon Bay and TOPS be adjusted for at least the next two years to a “Tier 1” start. (District transportation is organized into two tiers to maximize efficiencies of buses and routes.) That would change Salmon Bay's school day hours to 8:20a-2:45p.
Both Jodee's email to parents on December 17th and its attached letter from Don Kennedy at SPS describe the factors leading to this proposal. In general, the District staff anticipates this change to bring money-saving efficiency to the bus system. This helps address the budget deficit and the need for grandfathering transportation to some families.
Tom Bishop, SPS’s head of Transportation, is coming to Salmon Bay to explain the proposal to us and respond to our questions on Tuesday, January 5 at 7:00 pm in the cafeteria. This change would affect all of us here at Salmon Bay, many families significantly, so if you want to stay informed and have a chance to ask questions, this meeting will offer a unique opportunity. Mr. Bishop's appearance and conversation is timely, as the Board is moving fast on this proposed Transition Plan.
The proposal will be formally presented to the School Board on January 6, and the Board is scheduled to vote on the proposal on January 20. The TOPS community has been invited to hear Mr. Bishop as well, so the evening also offers a chance to expand our alternative school social circles.
