‘It’s just insanity’: Homer parents react to new district schedule, wanting changes

HOMER, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — When the bell rings this fall at Homer schools, class will start later and end later than in years past.

That’s not sitting well with single, working mom, Katylyn Anderson. Her two kids attend a district provided daycare through the YWCA Cortland.

“They are having a huge concern right now on whether they can even have the program in the morning or whether they need to cut the program significantly because of these concerns and staffing concerns of having staff until 8:45,” said Anderson.

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It was announced in May there would be a schedule change, but it was just a few weeks ago that the actual times were released.

“My children are going to be on the bus longer. My children are getting out of school longer,” said parent, Kari Schlenker. “Jackson plays soccer shots. Soccer shots starts at 4:15. His bus is now getting him off at 4:18. That’s obviously going out the window.”

In an email sent to NewsChannel9 on Friday, August 2, Homer Central School Disctrict Superintendent Tom Turck said the reason for the change is to increase student and staff contact times, increase transportation efficiency, and lessen student safety concerns during dismissal at the elementary and intermediate schools.

“I don’t think there is a need to change the district schedule to that extent for these three reasons,” Schlenker said. “To have so much concern be brought forward, why not reconsider and say, ‘Is this the best decision right now?'”

And now they’re tweaking those times more.

“It’s just insanity over the catastrophic effect that this time change is having,” said Anderson.

On August 15, updated bus schedules will be sent out to Homer families.

You can find all new times HERE.

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