JCPS weighing 2 options for 2026-27 school start times

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Jefferson County Board of Education is considering changing start times for students — again.

Board members discussed a plan during a meeting Tuesday evening for the 2026-27 school year for Jefferson County Public Schools. It wouldn't impact the 2025-26 school year.

There are two options on the table: One is keeping start times as is, while the other would push back start times for high schools as well as Ramsey Middle School, which shares a campus with Farmer Elementary, creating traffic issues.

There would still be three start times for the district. The issue is on the table because studies show older students benefit from later start times.

"I do think it's better for high schoolers to get later start times — being more awake and know what's going on," said Kayla Thompson, a Louisville resident.

There are several trade-offs. Adopting the plan would require another full remapping of district bus routes and the addition of more bus drivers.

JCPS currently has 620 bus drivers, but the new plan would require a minimum of 715 drivers and create issues for older students who have commitments after school.

The plan would also take about an hour longer to clear all routes.

In the meantime, the district is set to put new routing software in place for the 2026-27 school year, and changing start times could complicate that.

"This is what we did two years ago," said Tyler Shearon, executive administrator of Operations Services. "Another thing we did two years ago is we amended start times at the same time we are bringing on a new routing process. That is a lot of variables to bring into the mix at one time. We would recommend getting the routing software online, allowing us to take it fully through the paces."

On Wednesday, incoming JCPS Superintendent Brian Yearwood shared his perspective on the possible plan.

"Yes, there are some benefits to it," he said. "However, in this situation, every situation is different. I'm not as familiar with the setup yet. This is day No. 2 for me as I transition in and I try to learn as much as I can. I'd have to really study it, learn about it, listen to what the board makes recommendations on and, based upon that, have my input."

Two years ago, the district went to nine different start times with not enough bus drivers and new routes. Students missed millions of minutes of class time because buses couldn't get kids to school or home on time.

"That has been an issue with JCPS," Thompson said. "Hopefully, that does get better."

Nothing has been decided yet. The routes will be the same as they were this year next school year. JCPS is expected to give a more detailed update on transportation during the next JCBE meeting June 24.

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