The Community School District School board on Aug. 13 discussed changes to the Boothbay Region High School (BRHS) schedule. This year, school officials changed class start time to around 8 a.m., returning to a pre-COVID schedule. 

Lat year, that first hour of the day was dedicated to an “academy period,” akin to a study hall. Students were still required to be present, but the time allowed flexibility to complete assignments or study. This year, academy period was pushed back and classes will start earlier.

Student Body President Cleyton Splaine and Junior Class President Sarah Harris advocated to the board that the school adopt a later schedule. Reading a letter from junior Eleanor Marshall, they contended that a later start time supports student health, sleep and, subsequently, success.

However, according to BRHS Principal Tricia Campbell and several others, the delayed class time was put forth as a COVID policy. Campbell said it allowed the district to prioritize elementary and middle school students on buses so they could get to school earlier, allowing parents to work. Campbell said this year’s change was the result of discussions in which high school staff saw more advantages to an earlier start, including more educational time for students from outlying towns. She said the new schedule is in line with comparable schools and no parents have reached out expressing concerns. Technology Integrator Stacy Gauthier added that, while teachers generally agree a later start time is better for a child’s development, no evidence suggests a later start helps students who are already performing adequately.

The board noted the change had already been made with a substantial amount of background effort and input. “Our purpose here is not to second guess all the work that has already been done. We would have loved to have this conversation in the spring for transparency,” said board chair Peggy Splaine.  

In other business, board member Stephanie Hawke requested school dress code be examined at a future meeting. She expressed concern with “slinky” clothing she said was more suited to a night club than a school. Campbell said the student council looked into the dress code two years ago, and it was approved by the student body and school board. However, she said she would be happy to bring this issue to the student council again for review.