Coventry committee approves revised 2026–27 bell schedule to cut bus use, 6–1

The Coventry School Committee approved new start and end times for the 2026–27 school year after a lengthy presentation and discussion, passing the proposal 6–1.

Superintendent Don Cowart presented results from a third‑party transportation study and follow‑up work with the district's bus company, saying the district currently runs about 37–38 buses and that a three‑tier bell schedule "should be able to do that with, 30 to 31 buses." Cowart said eliminating overlap between high‑school, middle‑school and elementary schedules could reduce the number of buses on the road and improve on‑time performance.

The proposal includes modest shifts for several schools: high school and middle school runs move about five minutes earlier in some versions, while some elementary runs (including Tioga and Black Rock) would start later; Western Elementary would see the largest change, a 25‑minute later start. Cowart said the changes were driven by efficiency, safety and fiscal concerns and estimated the district could save enough operating cost to redirect about $500,000 annually to other needs.

Committee members pressed administration on equity and student impacts. Member Bradford Mayer said chronically late routes have caused students to miss breakfast and asked whether the new pattern would improve reliability: "Tioga and BlackRock are some of the buses are consistently late in the morning, and it causes some of the students that need breakfast to miss breakfast," Mayer said. Cowart responded that tiering should reduce those gaps by reallocating buses more effectively.

Member Amanda Carlo raised concerns about working families and schedule disruptions: she described how later start times can make it harder for parents with workplace obligations and said the proposal "wouldn't work for me" as presented. The superintendent acknowledged the tradeoffs and said the plan attempted to balance districtwide efficiency with family needs; he noted ride times and bus stops would be reviewed and that some minibuses on individualized schedules were counted separately.

Member Bridal moved to approve the 2026–27 start and end times; the motion was seconded by Member Anna Isabelle Dos Reycouto and carried 6–1. The recorded vote tally was announced by the chair as six in favor, one opposed. No roll‑call names were read aloud with the tally.

The approved plan directs administration to implement the tiered schedule and to work with the bus company on final route and stop adjustments, with the stated goals of reducing vehicle counts, improving on‑time performance and contributing to the district's deficit‑reduction plan.