Some changes for students on first day

Reduced busing, increased food prices, different school hours for many kids

By Diane Huber | The Olympian • Published September 03, 2008

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Students in Thurston County's three largest districts are adjusting to new teachers and schedules as school resumes today after summer break.

Those in North Thurston Public Schools will see additional changes, including different start times, fewer bus routes and higher-priced lunches, largely the result of budget reductions in the district.

The district's board of directors approved $3.8 million in cuts last month. The cuts were needed to balance the $2008-09 budget of $121 million, and the district focused on transportation based on advice received from parents at town hall meetings, district spokeswoman Courtney Schrieve said.

The Olympia School District plans no major changes, and Tumwater's main change is a move from a late start to an early release every other Wednesday.

Many students in outlying districts started school Tuesday. The start date in Rainier was moved from Monday until Sept. 15 because of construction delays.

North Thurston busing

The district has reduced bus stops by about 10 percent, which means some students who had been bused will have to walk or find a ride. Transportation cuts will save the district about $500,000, Schrieve said.

"We're trying to create a more efficient transportation system, which means we had to consolidate our bus routes," she said.

The state funds bus service for those living a mile or more from their school, and the district adjusted routes to match that standard, Schrieve said.

However, some residents who live less than a mile from school but have to walk on routes deemed unsafe by the district still might have bus service, she said.

New start times

North Thurston students also have new start times to help consolidate transportation needs, Schrieve said.

• High school students will attend school from 7:20 a.m. to 1:50 p.m., except for those at South Sound High School, which will start at 7:50 a.m. and ends at 2:20 p.m.

• Middle school students will attend from 9:25 a.m. to 3:55 p.m.

• Horizons Intermediate and Evergreen Forest, South Bay, Lakes, Lydia Hawk and Seven Oaks elementary schools will be in session from 8:10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.