Many Parents Don't Like Proposed Elementary Start Time for Next School Year

A little while ago the Oswego 308 board of education discussed elementary start times across the district and switching back to a single start time from a two tier system.

The proposed time that has been suggested is for all elementary schools to start at 8:45 a.m., with students being dropped off by bus by 8:30 a.m. and a breakfast program beginning at 8:15 a.m.

Superintendent Matthew Wendt said 8:30 a.m. was the earliest elementary students could be dropped off at the schools based on the high school and junior high start times. 

Many parents took to the Oswego Patch Facebook to say the 8:45 a.m. start time is  too late and want it brought back to 8:30 a.m., which is the earlier of the two start times from earlier this past year. The other start time this past school year was 8:50 a.m.

Read below to see what some parents are saying and join the conversation in the comments below. 

Melissa Y. Too late! We had the earlier start time this year and it was great. It was nice to get home and actually have a little down time before after school activities and homework!
Amy Q. 8:45 is way to late for working parents! I work in a neighboring school district which elementary starts at 8:15. I think earlier is better!
Kathy M. Too late!! Especially for those that have to be at work. 8:30 across the board at the latest. I'm sorry but it's now the district's responsibility to serve breakfast and times are being set around that? Are you kidding me? I believed that to just be a perk. Ridiculous!
Sarah C. Too late! Kids will be getting home way too late in the afternoon/evening! PLEASE MAKE IT 8:30!!!
Cheryl J. :830 for sure. After school sports atleast for us start at 4:30. The first thing my daughter said when she came home last Friday is " look at the schedule I'm going to be late for the gym". Earlier is better 8:20 is what it used to be for us. Perfect for working parents better for after school time.
Sherry K. I think earlier is better. Especially since they get home so late in the afternoon.
Leslie B. I agree...too late!!! The earlier the better. This past year we started at the later start time and by the time my kids get off the bus it was 4:15! They had no downtime after school before they have to start homework, eat dinner etc. I think it's ridiculous to base it around offering breakfast in the morning.
Katie M. I agree. 8:30 is the latest. It is a challenge to get to work on time. I highly support the breakfast program. We don't use it but l think kids should always have access to breakfast.
Tonya B. My daughter went to Fox Chase before we moved to FL, here in FL elementary school starts at 8am & gets out at 2:15pm
Kristia L. I would much rather see a 8:30am start time. Moving the time back means kids get home later, homework is started later, dinner is later. I agree that all the elementary schools should start at the same time, but at 8:30am.
Angela R. Do kids that take the bus even have time to eat breakfast?