TORONTO — Ontario's largest school board is telling parents this week about upcoming changes to elementary school start times.
The Toronto District School Board decided in June that it would begin staggering school schedules in September 2020 to save money on buses.
The move is in part due to funding cuts by the Progressive Conservative government and will save $2.5 million per year.
The board says 131 elementary schools will change their start times.
Spokesman Ryan Bird says the board sent a letter to parents on Wednesday about the new start times so they'd have enough notice to plan for those changes.
He says staggering start times actually serves a dual function, ideally addressing a bus driver shortage that has led to delays.
"We know it's going to be a challenge for some, but it may be a neutral shift for others and for some it may even be positive," Bird said.
The TDSB will hold information sessions for parents starting next week.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 27, 2020.
The Canadian Press
