Osceola County

School leaders consider impact of flex schedules at Osceola County high schools

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The Osceola School Board chairman says he is surprised by the response to his idea of flex schedules.

It would create an afternoon shift that could start as late as 3 p.m. for interested students.

“Our high schools have a bell schedule that starts at 7:20 a.m. and lets off at 2:20 p.m.” Osceola School Board Chairman Kelvin Soto said.

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But what if not every high school student started classes then?

Recently, Soto asked his fellow board members to consider flex schedules to allow students and teachers to start their day when most go home.

“They could get their rest in the morning and take classes at the local community college for the juniors and seniors,” Soto said.

Soto said some teachers feel starting later could help them with getting master’s degrees or the later schedule may work better for their families.

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If enough students were interested, Soto says flexing could help relieve some of the district's space issues and get more students out of portable classrooms.

But he won’t even consider asking the board to consider a pilot program unless there’s enough positive response.