The Fairfax County School Board invites parents and interested citizens to comment on changes to school start and dismissal times that are under consideration by attending one of seven upcoming community dialogue meetings in February and by completing an online survey.

A report from the School Board’s Transportation Task Force offers recommendations to change school start and dismissal times and to improve the overall effectiveness of Fairfax County Public Schools’ (FCPS) transportation system.  The changes would affect elementary, middle, and high school students.  Because changing school start and dismissal times could affect work schedules, child care arrangements, and after-school activities—including athletics—the School Board wants to hear from the public about the pros and cons of the changes.

Seven community dialogue meetings will be held in February:

Tuesday, February 24, 7 to 9 p.m.
      Annandale High School, 4700 Medford Drive, Annandale
      Longfellow Middle School, 2000 Westmoreland Street, Falls Church
      Oak View Elementary School, 5004 Sideburn Road, Fairfax

Wednesday, February 25, 7 to 9 p.m.
      Herndon High School, 700 Bennett Street, Herndon
      Rocky Run Middle School, 4400 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly

Thursday, February 26, 7 to 9 p.m.
      Providence Elementary School, 3616 Jermantown Road, Fairfax
      Whitman Middle School, 2500 Parkers Lane, Alexandria

In the event of inclement weather, a makeup dialogue session will be held on Tuesday, March 3, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Jackson Middle School, 3020 Gallows Road in the Falls Church area of Fairfax County. Citizens are encouraged to complete an online survey, available beginning Monday, February 9, at www.fcps.edu, to share their opinions about school start and dismissal times. Additional information about the proposed changes to school start and dismissal times and the Transportation Task Force’s recommendations may be viewed at www.fcps.edu.