Proposed New Richmond Schools Start/End Time Ranges:
Middle School and High School: Approximately 8:05 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Elementary Schools: Approximately 8:25 a.m. to 3:25 p.m.
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The School District of New Richmond has explored changes to better support student health, well-being, and learning. Pediatric and sleep research shows that later start times, especially for middle and high school students, can improve sleep quality, attendance, mental health, and academic performance.
Over the past several months, our district has engaged in thoughtful research and collaboration to better understand the benefits and challenges of shifting school start times. A work group brought together various perspectives from staff, parents, activity leaders, administrators, childcare, school nutrition, transportation representatives, and other program areas to review the impacts this change might have on the students, staff, parents, community, and program areas across the district.
The information below summarizes what we’ve learned and how it informs our path forward to strengthen our strategic plan of growth for all - every student, every day.
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The District is proposing a One-Tier Modified Transportation model that:
- Operates one-tier routes to exterior district boundaries
- Maintains two-tier routes within the city
- Is cost neutral and does not reduce transportation access
- Is currently used by most regional school districts, including St. Mary’s
Benefits include
- Minimize route delays and late buses
- Most students will have less time on bus routes
- Safer - less time on rural roads
- City routes and rural routes making efficiencies
If the proposed schedule is approved, route logistics and timing will be finalized in coordination with Kobussen Buses, Ltd. Families will be notified as details are confirmed. The District’s goal is to communicate clearly and efficiently so every student and family has adequate time to prepare for the new schedule.
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When would the new school start times go into effect?
If approved, the updated school start time schedule would be implemented at the beginning of the 2026–2027 school year.
Why is the district considering changing school start times?
SDNR is exploring changes to school start times to better support student health, well-being, and learning. Research from pediatric and sleep experts shows that later start times, especially for middle and high school students, can improve sleep quality, readiness to learn, attendance, mental health, and overall academic performance. Over the past several months, we have been studying our own student data, gathering work group feedback, and reviewing operational considerations such as transportation, staffing, and extracurricular schedules. This work has shown that adjusting start times may offer meaningful benefits for students while still maintaining strong support for families and staff. As a result, the district is thoughtfully evaluating options to determine whether a change would serve our community and help students thrive.
What will this change cost?
This proposed schedule and one-tier transportation model is a cost neutral solution. There will be no additional cost to the District or taxpayers.
When will the final decision be made, and by whom?
The final decision will be made at the January Board of Education meeting. This meeting will take place on Thursday, January 29 at 6:00 p.m. at the District Office.
Will this increase calendar days in our school calendar?
No, this proposed change will not add staff or student days to the 2026-2027 school calendar.
Does this impact athletics and activities with other schools?
No. Changing school start and end times will not impact athletics or activities with other schools. Competition schedules are set by conferences and the WIAA and typically occur after the school day ends. A MS and HS release time around 3:15 p.m. will continue to allow students adequate time to travel to practices and competitions without affecting participation with other schools.
How would this change increase sleep, teens will just go to bed later.
While it’s true that adolescents have a natural tendency to stay up later, studies consistently show that when school start times are moved later, teens gain more total sleep. Most students do not simply stay up later by the same amount of time. Instead, the later start allows them to sleep closer to their natural biological rhythms and wake up later, reducing chronic sleep deprivation. Increased sleep has been linked to improved attendance, better academic performance, improved mental health, and safer driving outcomes for teens. In short, later start times do not eliminate all sleep challenges, but they do meaningfully reduce sleep loss by aligning school schedules more closely with adolescent biology.
As a parent, how can I support my child if this schedule change is approved?
Talk openly about the upcoming change
- Discuss why the start time shift is happening and how it supports sleep and learning
- Set shared goals for bedtime routines and sleep habits
Help establish healthy sleep habits early
- Begin shifting bedtime and wake up time gradually in the months before the change
- Aim for a consistent sleep schedule on school nights and weekends
- Encourage calming bedtime routines like reading or relaxing activities
Limit screen use in the evening
- Reduce phone, tablet, and TV use at least one hour before bedtime
- Use night mode settings when screens are necessary
Support good time management
- Help students plan homework and activities so work is not pushed late into the night
- Encourage using planners or calendars to spread assignments out
Promote healthy daily habits
- Encourage regular physical activity earlier in the day
- Provide balanced meals and snacks to support energy and focus
- Encourage exposure to morning light to help regulate sleep patterns
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