SPOKANE, Wash. – Spokane Public Schools is exploring the potential benefits of shifting school start times for the 2026-2027 academic year.
During Wednesday’s Spokane Public Schools (SPS) board meeting, Nikki Lockwood, President of the Spokane School Board, revisited the “balanced calendar” idea. Lockwood shared insights on shortening summer break and extending other breaks, alongside a proposal to delay school start times.
“This was a natural progression now that we’ve done the balance calendar work to look at start times,” Lockwood said.
The proposed changes suggest elementary schools would start at 8:30 a.m., middle schools at 9:00 a.m., and high schools at 8:00 a.m. Spokane Schools Chief Academic Officer Heather Bybee introduced the idea, emphasizing several advantages.
“The research says that adolescent kids should sleep longer,” Bybee stated.
Bybee highlighted research indicating later start times might improve physical health, reduce obesity rates, and lower the risk of accidents from sleep deprivation. She also pointed out that changes in school start times could impact socio-economic equity, offering varying levels of benefits to students from different backgrounds.
However, Bybee acknowledged challenges, such as adjustments in childcare, parents’ work schedules, and after-school activities. Despite these hurdles, there is optimism around making athletics work with a later start time as well.
“If we were to even just consider an 8:30 start time for high school they think they could make all of the athletics happen,” said Bybee.
Lockwood and Bybee both agree that the change would have a significant impact on SPS families. They stress the importance of clear communication if any changes are implemented.
“I think the biggest part of this is the communications whatever we decide to do whatever level of change communication to our community is gonna be huge,” Lockwood emphasized.
Bybee plans to form work groups starting in November to discuss the proposed changes with community members. A finalized plan is expected by the start of next year.
