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Action Item
DATE: Tuesday, October 17, 2017
TO: School Board Members
FROM: Jeff Eakins, Superintendent
SUBJECT / RECOMMENDATIONS
Approve the 2018-2019 Bell Schedules
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Following a tentative approval of the 2018-2019 bell schedules on April 25, 2017, feedback from the community revealed that families would not have adequate time to adjust their schedules.  Additionally, there was a concern that the decision making process did not include input from a representative group of stakeholders.
 
Despite clear evidence that the current arrival and dismissal times do not optimize resources and protect students from losing instructional time, the district delayed implementation of the tentative 2018-2019 bell schedule in order to gather additional input and allow for more planning time.  Accordingly, a plan was established that allowed community members the opportunity to participate in bell schedule simulations, community meetings, and a survey to provide input on bell schedules.

Some 1,847 bell schedule models were received through the online simulator.  From these submissions, the operationally feasible models that were favored by participants informed the development of six arrival-dismissal models included in the survey.  Three community meetings were also held to answer questions and respond to concerns of the community.

District leaders have summarized and reviewed the survey data, and results are included for review.  Nearly 57,000 respondents participated in the survey.  Based on the input received and an analysis of operational and instructional requirements, Superintendent Jeff Eakins proposes that a new bell schedule take effect at the beginning of the 2018-2019 school year.  The tentative 2018-2019 bell schedules are attached.

In addition to allowing students to arrive to class on time, the improved efficiency will redirect $2.5 million from transportation back into the classroom to support instruction for students.  By delaying implementation of a new school schedule until 2018-2019, families will have time to make needed adjustments to work schedules and other commitments.  This also provides additional time for Hillsborough County Public Schools to clarify questions or concerns that exist.
REVISED ATTACHMENT (PAGE 5 OF BELL SCHEDULE LIST)
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
All Strategic Objectives
FINANCIAL IMPACT (Budgeted:  No)
Approval of the 2018-2019 bell schedules will have a comparable financial impact to previous years.  Some costs associated with double runs and personnel may be reduced as bus routes become more efficient.
EVALUATION
The district will evaluate the 2018-2019 bell schedules via financial analyses, on-time arrival rates for buses, and community feedback.  These data will be monitored during the next year and summarized for the board.
SUBMITTED BY: 
Christopher Farkas   Dr. Alberto Vázquez
Chief Operating Officer
(813) 272-4004
  Chief of Staff
(813) 272-4986
    C 7.04R
Hillsborough County Public Schools (Florida) * Mtg.#20171017_822 (Board Meeting) * Section C Item# 7.04R