Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools are studying a new plan, described as a “3-tier” transportation system.  Superintendent Allen Bourff told board members Wednesday HSE administrators are currently studying the plan.  Bourff said such a system could better service students and possibly eliminate the need for shuttle transportation between buildings.

The “3-tier” system could be used even if school officials decide to “flip” school start times next school year, creating a system where elementary students would begin the school day earlier and secondary students would start the school day later.

The “3-tier” plan could also allow for more transportation available to students in after-school activities, according to Bourff.  There would need to be changes in the length of the school day, but the superintendent said the day would only need to be altered by a few minutes.

One result of the proposed bus schedule would be the elimination of early student release times on Mondays, as has been the case in HSE Schools for the past few years.

Bourff emphasized that both flipping start times and the “3-tier” bus scheduling system are being studied but no decision on a board recommendation has been reached.

Board Member Janet Pritchett asked how Dr. Bourff envisions the transportation tiers being organized, and he said some possibilities include grouping grades 5-8, but it could also mean placing grades 7 & 8 with high school students. But Bourff emphasized the situation is “fluid” and no decisions have been made.

Board member Julie Chambers asked about including outside groups that would be impacted by any bus schedule change, such as the YMCA after-school programs.  Bourff said such groups had been consulted.

Responding to a question from Board Member Sylvia Shepler, the superintendent said he plans on having a community forum on the issue of flipping start times, tentatively planned sometime in November.

(NOTE:  An earlier version of this story indicated the school day could be lengthened by a few minutes under the “3-tier” proposal.  A school spokesman clarified for LarryInFishers that school days would be shortened, not lengthened, under this plan)