By Linda Borg
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Providence Supt. Susan Lusi, in conjunction with the Providence Teachers Union, has a new plan for school start and dismissal times that will save an estimated $2.3 to $2.5 million in busing costs.
Savings will come from tiered bus runs, allowing an hour between the start times of elementary and middle schools.
The bell time schedule allows for early dismissal (or late arrival at some high schools) one day per week across all grade levels, allowing time for teachers to plan together while maintaining instructional time through four slightly longer school days.
Common planning time is used for coordination within and across subject areas, monitoring student progress and looking at data.