Parents upset over change to start time at a White Plains elementary school

However, school officials say transportation costs have risen close to 50% and the district will save $2.2 million by moving the starting time so all the city’s elementary schools were in sync.

Lisa LaRocca

Dec 10, 2024, 5:28 PM

Updated 8 days ago

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The bell at the Church Street Elementary School in White Plains is going to ring a bit later next year, and parents aren't happy. Currently, the school opens at 7:55 a.m. with a start time of 8:15 a.m.
In fall of 2025, the school will open 25 minutes later at 8:20 a.m. with a start time of 8:40 a.m.
The early start time was put in place to help support working class families by enabling parents to get their kids to school so they can leave for work and avoid the high cost of before and after school care.
However, school officials say transportation costs have risen close to 50% and the district will save $2.2 million by moving the starting time so all the city’s elementary schools were in sync.
Parents say their lives and schedules revolve around their children’s school, and the change will be a big problem for many.