The Upper Canada District School Board wants earlier start times for elementary students and later start times for secondary students.
Currently, UCDSB elementary schools begin class between 9:20 and 9:30, with high school starting at 8am.
They passed a motion of support at their latest board meeting following a presentation by UCDSB Chief Psychologist Dr. Jennifer Curry along with Clinical Psychologist Dr. David Armstrong, which showed the benefits to making the switch.
Dr. Armstrong told the board it’s not a fix-all solution, but it’s a start.
A later start time would mean a later end time for high schoolers, which raises concerns about part time jobs many of them hold.
Dr. Armstrong says these employers, as well as childcare services for parents with young children, would have no choice but to adapt.
The trustees will now begin discussions with Student Transportation of Eastern Ontario, the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario, and other stakeholders.
The presentation in its entirety can be found here.
Story by Grant Deme
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