2008-09 Bell Schedule Survey Process
To obtain parent and staff input on proposed bell schedule changes, APS staff collected feedback through online surveys and at open houses held at four schools.
The survey presented four scenarios and asked about preferences for each. In addition, APS invited parent and staff questions and comments about school schedules and the bell time process.
Parent Survey Summary
APS received 547 surveys from parents at the open houses or via the online link. Parents who responded to the survey were represented at all school levels—elementary, K-8, middle and high school.
Parents ranked Scenario #1 as their top preference, selected by 34 percent of respondents. Another 18 percent ranked Scenario #1 as their second choice, for a combined total of 52 percent who ranked this scenario as their first or second choice. Scenario #2 was also favored by a high number of parents, selected by 54 percent as their first or second choice.
View parent survey results. 
Staff Survey Summary
A total of 1,153 staff members completed the online staff survey, 
including:
- 57 Administrative staff
- 215 Classified staff
- 881 Licensed staff
Staff from every APS school participated in the survey.
Like parents, staff members ranked Scenario #1 as their top preference, selected by 47 percent of respondents. Another 18 percent selected Scenario #1 as their second choice, for a combined total of 65 percent who selected it as their first or second choice.
View the staff survey results.
Recommendation to the Board of Education
On April 15, APS staff presented information to the Board of Education on bell time scenarios. As part of the presentation, APS Support Services recommended Scenario #1 as the best solution for the following reasons:
- Maximizes APS resources to meet district programs and initiatives
- Reflects preference by parents and staff as their top choice
- Schedules no traditional elementary schools or K-8s later than 9:20 a.m.
- Results in the least impact to recently revised high school schedules
- Achieves a cost savings of approximately $800,000 in the district’s budget for bus transportation
View the Scenario 1 Bell Times for each school.
Read about the four proposed Bell Time scenarios.
Next Steps
The Board of Education will review and assess the bell schedule information and make a final decision at its May 6 meeting. The district will share this information with parents through letters, Connect-Ed phone messages and on the APS Web site. Information will include an FAQ to answer staff and parent questions when the Board of Education makes a final decision.
Schools
