School times expected to remain unchanged
BY ELANAARON Correspondent

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP - For now, Freehold Township K-8 school times will remain unchanged.

During December and January discussions were held to address concerns for parents of elementary school and middle school children in regard to a possible change in school times.

Last week a committee that had been impaneled to examine the issue recommended leaving school times unchanged. The committee also recommended conducting transportation audits, traffic studies and a review of arrival and dismissal procedures.

Freehold Township EducationAssociation President Tracie Yostpille said the union supports that decision.

"The members of the FTEA are fortunate to work in Freehold Township where parents, students, Board of Education members, administrators, support staff and our members can resolve issues in an atmosphere of collaboration and mutual respect."

The committee, which was comprised of parents, teachers, students, district staff and administrators, had been meeting on the issue of school schedules and transportation in the hopes of improving the educational experience of students.

Assistant Superintendent Sandra Brower and BusinessAdministrator Brian Boyle directed the informational sessions that were held over the past two months.

According to Brower, three basic options were presented, including changing all school times, having no changes at all, and attempts at resolving concerns through the exploration of options.

Changing school start times was an issue that was raised in an effort to improve programming for pupils. Currently, first-tier schools (Applegate, West Freehold, Errickson and Donovan) begin at 8 a.m. Second-tier schools (Catena, Barkalow, Eisenhower and the Early Childhood Learning Center) begin at 8:40 a.m.

Transportation efficiency and examination of school schedules was also proposed in order to deal with late arrivals to schools and traffic congestion that could cause unsafe conditions.

Parents made it clear throughout the process that the health, safety, quality of life and academic performance of their children were non-negotiable issues. When changes in school starting times were proposed, parents voiced concerns about those changes causing child care issues and affecting before-school programs.

Specific issues addressed throughout the process have been congestion on Burlington Road, where the Eisenhower and Catena schools are next door to one another, second-tier students arriving late to school, middle school students leaving early for after-school activities, and overall busing problems. Recommendations for improving transportation include adding buses and drivers, eliminating courtesy busing and consolidating bus stops.

The recommendation committee has stated that it will revisit concerns, if necessary, after issues of efficiency are addressed.

The committee's findings were expected to be presented at the Freehold Township Board of Education meeting that was held Feb. 12.