Transportation Changes for 2023-24
2023-24 Transportation Changes
Why are these changes being made?
School districts around the region are facing considerable budget shortfalls. Seattle Public Schools (SPSSeattle Public Schools More) is no exception.
School start and end times have a significant effect on district budgets. Currently, our two-tier bell schedule is out of balance. Bus drivers who could be driving two or more routes are limited to one. This means that more buses and drivers must be used, and costs dramatically increase.
To balance out our school bell schedules, SPSSeattle Public Schools More will adjust bell times for several schools. Some schools that currently start at the earlier time will switch to the later start time, while some will switch from the later start time to the earlier start time.
This move will save the district approximately $4.5 million. This solution does not decrease bus service or add new school start times.
We know that changing the school start and end times will mean adjustments for families, staff, and community. We do not take this lightly. We also understand that we must be good stewards of our public resources. This change allows us to have sustainable systems that meet student needs.
Our team is here to assist families through this transition.
You can also use our Let’s Talk feedback form to submit questions.
For students who are assigned transportation services, bus routes for the 2023-24 school year will be mailed to families before school starts. Please see video and answers to frequently asked questions below.
Schools with Start and End Time Changes
Schools with a Later Start Time
The following schools will move to a later start time. They will move from Tier 1 to Tier 2.
The new start and end times: these schools will begin at 8:55 a.m. and be released at 3:25 p.m. Early release Wednesday will be 2:10 p.m. As a reminder, the first day of school is not an early release day.
- South Shore PreK-8
- Green Lake Elementary
- View Ridge Elementary
- West Woodland Elementary
- John Hay Elementary
- Dearborn Park International Elementary
- Bailey Gatzert Elementary
Schools with an Earlier Start Time
The following schools will move to an earlier start time. They will move from Tier 2 to Tier 1.
The new start and end times: these schools will begin at 7:55 a.m. and be released at 2:25 p.m. Early release Wednesday will be 1:10 p.m. As a reminder, the first day of school is not an early release day.
- Concord International Elementary
- TOPS K-8
- Thurgood Marshall Elementary
- Licton Springs K-8
- Adams Elementary
High School and Middle School Changes
Reductions to non-standard High School and Middle School Service
High School
At the start of the 2023-24 school year, Seattle Public Schools (SPSSeattle Public Schools More) will no longer provide supplemental shuttle service for high schools.
This change affects Ballard, Cleveland, Ingraham, Lincoln, and Chief Sealth International high schools. Metro service is now free of charge to all students under 18 and route coverage has increased citywide.
*This will not affect students who receive transportation services as part of the special education services as identified in their IEP.
Middle School
At the start of the 2023-24 school year, Seattle Public Schools (SPSSeattle Public Schools More) will no longer provide bus service from the Kimball Elementary neighborhood to Washington Middle School for students within the Washington Middle School walk-zone.
Bus transportation was provided for two years (2021-22 and 2022-23) to assist with the boundary change transition. This service was temporary and scheduled to expire for the 2023-24 school year. Students will receive transportation consistent with the Transportation Service Standards for middle school students.
Students who continue to qualify because they live outside of the walk zone or as part of their IEP will continue to receive transportation services.