Lee County, Florida, July 30, 2025
News Summary
Lee County Schools will revise bus schedules this fall under the Safe Start Initiative, altering elementary start times to 8:40 a.m. to alleviate transportation delays and improve student performance. The changes come after concerns over 8,000 students frequently missing classes due to bus delays. Additional measures include hosting a bus driver fair to address shortages and enhancing instructional time by extending high school classes. Although the adjustments aim to streamline transportation efficiency, delays may continue until more drivers are secured.
Lee County, Florida – Starting this fall, Lee County Schools will implement a revised schedule under the Safe Start Initiative aimed at addressing long-standing bus delays and enhancing student achievement. The most significant change will see elementary schools starting at 8:40 a.m., nearly one hour later than the previous schedule. Meanwhile, high schools and middle schools will experience only minor adjustments to their start times.
Last academic year, a staggering 8,000 students frequently missed their first periods due to transportation issues, while 18,000 students were dropped off at home after school well beyond the scheduled time. This situation has sparked considerable concern among parents regarding the reliability of the county’s transportation system. To alleviate these struggles, the district aims to streamline transportation by reducing the number of start times.
Parents, such as Carole Dean, face challenges adjusting to the new schedule for their children, who attend different schools. Dean anticipates incurring additional childcare costs of approximately $125 a week due to the later start. Another parent, Cary Colon, has reported instances where her older children have not been picked up by the school bus, raising additional concerns regarding the effectiveness of Lee County’s transportation services.
The ongoing bus driver shortage has significantly contributed to route disruptions and delays in bus arrivals. To mitigate these issues, the district is taking proactive measures, including hosting a bus driver fair and revising school start times to better streamline bus routes. Additionally, free training is being offered to potential drivers who do not possess a commercial license. Full-time driving roles will come with benefits and flexible schedules to attract more applicants.
Despite the implementation of the new start times, it is important to note that delays may persist until more drivers are hired. The Safe Start Initiative was designed to transition from a four-tier bus system to a more efficient three-tier system, focusing on improving both safety and efficiency.
Furthermore, high school classes will be extended to 49 minutes, and all schools will now feature 30-minute lunch periods. High school students will be dismissed at 2:00 p.m., which is expected to add approximately 42 hours of instructional time to the academic year. The initiative was developed with input from school principals, staff, and community feedback.
David Newlan, the Chief of Safety, highlighted the necessity of aligning pick-up and drop-off times with the new schedules, especially in light of the ongoing bus driver shortages. The changes are anticipated to reduce wait times at bus stops and foster better learning environments for students.
The initiative will not have immediate fiscal ramifications, although it may impact the transportation budget in the fiscal year 2026. The district’s strategy includes providing regular updates to families throughout the transition period to ensure a smooth adjustment to the new schedule. School leaders will closely monitor the initiative’s implementation and make necessary adjustments once the new system is operational.
FAQ
What are the new start times for Lee County Schools?
Elementary schools will now start at 8:40 a.m. while high schools and middle schools will have minor changes to their start times.
What led to the change in school start times?
The adjustments were made to address ongoing school bus delays and to increase student achievement by improving time allocations for classes.
How many students were affected by bus delays last year?
Approximately 8,000 students missed their first period regularly due to late buses, and 18,000 students were dropped off late every day.
What initiatives are in place to address the bus driver shortage?
The district is hosting a bus driver fair, providing free training for potential drivers, and offering full-time roles with benefits to attract more applicants.
When will the changes take effect?
The new start times will be implemented in the upcoming school year.
Key Features of the Changes
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Start Time for Elementary Schools | 8:40 a.m. |
| Change in High School Start Times | Minor adjustments |
| Impact of Bus Delays | 8,000 students missing first period, 18,000 being dropped off late |
| Bus Driver Shortage | Initiatives to hire more drivers, including a driver fair |
| High School Class Duration | Extended to 49 minutes |
| New Lunch Period Duration | 30 minutes for all schools |
| Instructional Time Increase | Approximately 42 hours per year |
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Additional Resources
- Wink News: Lee County School District Offers Free Training to Tackle Ongoing Bus Driver Shortage
- Fox 4 Now: Lee County School Might Start/End at Different Time Next Year
- Gulfshore Business: Lee County School District to Host Transportation Job Fair
- News Press: New Bus Route Bell Schedules Passed for Lee County Schools
- Captiva Sanibel: School Board Approves New Bell Times
