On April 4th Prince George’s County Superintendent Millard House II released statements further elaborating on the start and end time changes coming to PGCPS. The big reason behind this was to fix the bus transportation issue that PGCPS was running into the last couple of years.
“So the new school change will be heavily impacting people who rely on getting out at 2:25” stated Senior Darnell Gilliam. “The high school release will no longer be the same so it will be hard to pick up siblings”.
Mr. Gilliam explains how many students have responsibilities beyond school properties. Considering the time changes could affect Middle and High school students with the responsibilities to be an older sibling, employee, etc.
Some are expecting drastic changes to the bell schedule thinking schools will start early by a large amount.
“Please note that 90% of schools are expected to have no shift or a shift of fifteen minutes or less”explained Mr. Gilliam. “Schools will be notified of bell time shifts no later than April 26”.
PGCPS is really focusing on improving the transportation for students giving parents the ability to opt their children out of buses if not needed, improving the bus tracking app, then there will also be changes that could lead to students walking further to get to their buses. Chief Operating Officer, Charoscar Coleman spoke on the bus stop in walk zones.
“The audit cited 22,000 stops that are currently inside the walk zone that need to be evaluated for safe passage and possible elimination”stated Chief Coleman.
Keba Baldwin, the PGCPS transportation director, has explained that this would affect a large number of students. This can cause students to walk farther to get to school or to their nearest bus stop.
“Right now we’re looking at, primarily, up to a half mile for elementary school and up to a mile for secondary students,”explained Mr. Baldwin.
Which means that students will have to walk farther to reach bus stops which might change their transportation situation.
During this year, we’ll be informed about the PGCPS time changes, having parents and students hoping this change does not affect their everyday life and schedule. It is important to remember that everyone in the PG county will be affected by the misdate and only time will tell if this could become the new normal.
On April 25, the Superintendent ,Millard House, sent out an email confirming the time changes starting next school year. Although some schools are not having changes, approximately 84% will see no change to 15 minute shifts in Prince Goerge’s County Schools starting August 26,2024. Stating that no school should shift more than 45 minutes, giving time for students and families to keep stability in your schedules.
“These adjustments are part of a broader,multi year plan to improve transportation service across our district” explained Superintendent House ll.
He explained in the email that improving the reliability of transportation services is a top priority for PGCPS, causing them to bring more strategies. Which confirms their process to optimizing bus routes and stops, offering an opt- out option for families who don’t need a transportation service. As well as improving their school bus tracking apps for parents.
“These changes reflect our commitment to ensuring every child arrives at school on time and ready to learn” explained superintendent, House ll.
Many schools have already announced the time changes for that particular school,if not, you can check the link below and see how your particular school is affected. https://www.pgcps.org/times
