April 4 Superintendent Message: School Start & End Time Shifts

I am writing to provide clarity around shifts in school start and end times connected to forthcoming transportation improvements within our school district. We understand there has been uncertainty surrounding the shifts, and we regret any inconvenience this may have caused.
 
Allow me to clarify, the planned bell time shifts will create three bell time tiers encompassing a mix of school levels. This plan will not shift all elementary schools to 7:30 a.m., nor all middle schools and Pre-K - 8 academies to 8:30 a.m., nor all high schools to 9:30 a.m. 
 
Schools will be notified of bell time shifts no later than April 26. Please note that 90% of schools are expected to have no shift or a shift of 15 minutes or less. 
 
As we work together to improve years of inefficiencies, rest assured our commitment to enhancing the transportation experience for all stakeholders remains steadfast and we remain dedicated to providing clarity and transparency.
 
More information on transportation improvements for next school year can be viewed at www.pgcps.org/bus. 
 
Thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation as we continue to navigate these improvements together.
 
Sincerely,
Millard House II
Superintendent