Bell Time Adjustments for 2025-2026 School Year

The district’s revised spending reduction plan impacts every aspect of our district. The spending plan, as approved by the School Board at the March 13, 2025, board meeting includes $200,000 in reductions as a result of adjusted bell times beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. Although changes to bus routes can be initially disruptive, these adjustments are designed to bring about significant benefits for students, staff and families. By ensuring each transportation region has an equal number of early and late school starts, the district will create a more equitable balance in pick-up and drop-off times across schools. This not only helps to establish more consistent school arrivals and shorter ride times, but also optimizes and increases the number of available stops - ultimately boosting ridership and reducing congestion during peak times. Additionally, streamlining routes is estimated to reduce carbon emissions from diesel fumes, contributing to a cleaner environment

This measure will save the district over 42,000 bus miles and reduces the need for additional drivers, potentially mitigating anticipated driver shortages. For middle schools, aligning class periods and schedules with the high schools ensures access to current Digital Discovery Language Programs and future innovative programming.  

The district believes these changes will foster a more efficient and sustainable transportation system for our students and community. These proposed changes have not been made lightly, and we understand how these changes impact work, commute and childcare considerations for busy staff and families. Our hope is that by providing information in a timely manner, it will allow those impacted to make necessary adjustments. 

The following schools will be impacted by adjusted bell times for the 2025-2026 school year. 

Elementary Bell Time Adjustments

School	Current Start Time	Current End Time	2025-2026 Start Time	2025-2026 End Time	Adjustment Notes
Clyde Hill	8:00	2:30	9:00	3:30	This change will alleviate traffic in the Chinook/Clyde Hill neighborhood.
Lake Hills	8:40	3:10	8:00	2:30	Moved 40 minutes earlier for route efficiency.
Phantom Lake	8:40	3:10	9:05	3:35	Slight adjustments to start and end times.
Somerset	9:05	3:35	8:05	2:35	Moved one hour earlier for route efficiency.

 

Middle School Bell Time Adjustments 

School	Current Start Time	Current End Time	2025-2026 Start Time	2025-2026 End Time	Adjustment Notes
Chinook	7:45	2:30	7:45	2:35	Aligned end time to coordinate with other middle schools.
Odle	8:30	3:20	8:40	3:30	Moved 10 minutes later to align end time to coordinate with other middle schools.
Tyee	8:30	3:20	8:40	3:30	Moved 10 minutes later to align end time to coordinate with other middle schools.