ELPS Board, Teachers to Consider Later School Start Times During Contract Negotiations

The school day could start later for East Lansing Public School (ELPS) students in future years, as the ELPS board and teacher union are set to discuss the topic of start times in contract negotiations. 

Earlier this year, ELPS Board of Education President Chris Martin reached out to ELi, indicating that he would like to see “a detailed discussion of the benefits of later school start times, especially for our adolescent learners.”

“I’m interested in an honest discussion of the research on adolescent sleep patterns and attentiveness,” he said, “and a collaborative process that prioritizes the learning needs and mental health of our students.”

This proposed discussion comes as the board is in negotiations with the district’s teacher union, the East Lansing Education Association (ELEA), for a new contract.

At the district elementary schools, students begin their days at 8:45 a.m. and conclude full days at 3:37 p.m. MacDonald Middle School runs from 8:05 a.m. to 2:53 p.m. while the high school starts at 7:45 a.m. and dismisses at 2:35 p.m.

ELEA President Ross Gorman spoke with ELi earlier this year about the possibility of an earlier start time. 

“It’s a topic that comes up during negotiations not infrequently,” he said.  “I know there have been surveys going out looking at taking that starting time back…maybe 45 minutes to an hour.  

Gorman said ELEA is “happy” to talk about moving start times back, but there are many factors that need to be considered. He said a later start time may impact after school programs for students and teachers who coach teams or lead other extra curricular activities. He also said the district would have to consider parents with existing child care arrangements.

“It’s certainly a big item to talk about, but something that could be beneficial,” Gorman said. 

Asked if he personally supports a shift, he reiterated that “evidence-based best practices” and research has shown it would benefit students.

In January, district officials attended a session with Okemos Public School leaders and other district officials in the region to discuss benefits and challenges of later high school start times.  

Martin said if members of the ELPS community would like to comment on whether or not the school day should be started later, they can reach out to the board using its contact portal.