Tacoma Public Schools to shift bell schedule for 2024-25

TACOMA, Wash. — In a move that will reportedly reduce the number of bus routes and save about $1 million in costs, Tacoma Public Schools is changing itsbell schedule for the 2024–25 school year.

"Transportation changes to bus route schedules impact school bell schedules in the 2024-25 school year," the school district said via email. "The need for a more efficient system drove the change. These updates reduce the number of bus routes, which will save about $1 million in transportation costs per year."

High school hours will soon become 8:05 a.m. to 2:35 p.m.; middle school will shift to 7:40 a.m. to 2:10 p.m.; and some elementary schools will begin at 8:40 a.m. and others at 9 a.m., according to Tacoma Public Schools (TPS).

During a school board meeting on April 25th, one bus driver for the district spoke up during public comment sharing that these changes are only going to add to their workload and add potential safety issues.

“The bell times are much closer together making it more difficult to navigate the city safely while attempting to arrive at all schools on our routes on time," said Carol Jackson, a bus driver for TPS.

"We know that changing bell schedules has an impact on families," TPS wrote. "Currently, all our school levels have different bell schedules. We took into consideration many factors, including input we’ve received from families over the years, including the desire for high school to have a later start.

Some parents told KOMO News that their work schedules are not flexible and they worry about their kids not making it to school on time.

“It’s going to be tough I think if their work hours are way off from taking their kids to school or making sure that they get on the bus at the right time," said Kelly Marvin.

While some parents worry about the impact this will have on student's sleep schedules, others like Marvin are on board with the changes.

“I think they could sleep a little bit longer, maybe have a little bit more time to eat breakfast or something before they go to school," said Marvin.

"Bell schedules for individual elementary schools will be communicated by the end of May. Additionally, we’ll share any other information that is confirmed by our before and after-school community partners, along with details for athletics and other extracurricular activities in the 2024-2025 school year. Families can expect finalized bus routes in August."