JCPS Proposes New Start Times for 2026-27 Academic Year
Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) is set to propose a significant shift in school start times for the 2026-27 academic year. Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood confirmed this adjustment in a recent statement.
Proposed Change to Start Times
Currently, JCPS operates with three different school start times: 7:30 a.m., 8:40 a.m., and 9:40 a.m. The new proposal seeks to move these times forward by 20 minutes. If adopted, the new start times would be:
- 7:10 a.m.
- 8:20 a.m.
- 9:20 a.m.
This recommendation will be presented to the Jefferson County Board of Education during their meeting on December 9. Carolyn Callahan, a JCPS spokesperson, indicated that this change is a response to feedback from principals and staff regarding current start times.
Context for the Proposed Changes
The proposed shift in start times coincides with JCPS’s announcement regarding the closing, consolidating, and relocating of several schools. This initiative is part of a broader effort to trim over $100 million from the district’s budget. Details of this plan will also be discussed in the board meeting on the same date.
These proposed adjustments indicate JCPS’s commitment to addressing both financial challenges and the needs of the school’s community.
