The changing schedules for Clarkston schools continue to concern parents. Three parents with a petition of hundreds of names spoke to the Board of Education May 6.
‘We represent numerous concerned parents,? said Danette Meny. ‘I have a petition with over 250 signatures.?
Research shows later start times for elementary schools negatively affect students. Young children who wake up early watch more television in the morning, and are less alert in the afternoon. Also, school gets out too late for extracurricular activities, Meny said.
‘Our basic concern is that there will not be enough time for kids to play after school,? said Deb Rumstadt.
‘This is an incorrect step to take.?
The district estimates savings of $150,000 with the changes, which also include new and revised bus routes. The savings are not worth the problems they will cause, Rumstadt said.
‘The negative influence will far outweigh the savings,? she said. ‘We ask that you reconsider your decision, and listen to the opinions of parents.?
The savings are not insignificant, said board President Stephen Hyer.
‘It’s a tough decision,? Hyer said. ‘But if it comes down to three or four teachers versus staggered start times, we choosing the teachers. It’s as simple as that.?
The board has directed administration to cut district deficits in half, while preserving classroom instruction as much as possible, he said.
‘We’re trying to keep cuts away from kids and the classroom,? he said. ‘We appreciate your feedback.?

Start/stop times for 2007-?08 are:
? 7:45-2:35, Clarkston High School;
? 7:30-2:20, Clarkston Junior High School;
? 8:30-3:20, Sashabaw Middle School;
? 8:20-3:30, Andersonville and Independence elementaries, AM Kindergarten 8:20-11:27, PM Kindergarten 12:22-3:30:
? 9:10-4:20, Bailey Lake, Clarkston, Springfield Plains, North Sashabaw, and Pine Knob elementaries, AM Kindergarten 9:10-12:17, PM Kindergarten 1:12-4:20