Update Nov. 24:
On Nov. 21, JCPS released a proposal to move all JCPS school start times back 20 minutes. However, they have reconsidered, and are now backing off of this plan after “careful review.”
“While the intent was to strengthen student learning conditions and improve operational efficiency, it is clear that more analysis and deeper engagement are necessary before moving forward,” JCPS Superintendent Brian Yearwood said on Monday, Nov. 24.
After reconsideration and review with both teachers and parents, JCPS has made the decision to withdraw the proposal.
“Moving the start times forward for high school students already starting at 7:30 is counter to all the research on best practices. In addition, those in the early time slot have already moved their start time to 7:30 instead of 7:40. I believe more communication is needed to better understand the reason for this proposal and to possibly provide input on better solutions,” Manual principal Michael Newman said.
The district will continue to explore other solutions to the current issues it is facing, and Yearwood says they will also be looking for feedback in order to “support strong instructional outcomes and protect a healthy work-life balance for our school-based employees.”
On Nov. 21, JCPS released a proposal to move all school start times up 20 minutes starting next school year.
Under the proposed plan, schools with hours 7:30 a.m. to 2:10 p.m. would shift to 7:10 a.m. to 1:50 p.m., 8:40 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. would shift to 8:20 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 9:40 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. would shift to 9:20 a.m. to 4 p.m.
JCPS moved to three start times in the 2024-25 school year after having only two for decades in an attempt to solve busing issues.
JCPS Superintendent Brian Yearwood will make the proposal at the Dec. 9 board meeting to the Jefferson County Board of Education. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at the VanHoose Education Center.
“This is one of the major topics Dr. Yearwood has heard from principals and staff- they want an adjustment to the times. Under this proposal the latest start time would now be 9:20,” Carolyn Callahan, JCPS Chief of Communications and Community Relations, said in a statement to Manual RedEye.
Also at the meeting, the board will be considering closing, consolidating and relocating several schools due to JCPS’ current $188 million budget deficit.
RedEye has reached out to Yearwood and Manual Principal Michael Newman for comment.
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Judith Danovitch • Nov 21, 2025 at 9:52 pm
This is a TERRIBLE plan with potentially life-threatening consequences. I urge all Manual students and their families to stand up and protest it. There is ample research evidence that middle and high school students get more sleep, have better mental health, and perform better academically when schools start later, not earlier. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics says schools should not start before 8:30 am!!! JCPS is proposing to put Manual and other middle and high school students at a further disadvantage compared to students in other districts and states for absolutely no good reason. I am a Manual parent and an expert on child development and I welcome you to contact me for further information about why this plan goes against everything we know about supporting healthy adolescent development and learning.