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Fairfax County Public Schools Transportation Problem Team Project Proposal Brief

2. Background. Fairfax County residents want the School Board to push back middle and high school start timesCurrently, county high school first bell rings at 7:20amHigh school students board buses an hour before first bellLack of sleep. 3. Issues Associated with Lack of Sleep. Increased Risk of unintentional injuries and deathDrowsiness or fatigue has been identified as a major cause of traffic accidents Drivers 25 years old and younger caused more than 55 percent of fall-asleep crashe9457

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Fairfax County Public Schools Transportation Problem Team Project Proposal Brief

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    1. Fairfax County Public Schools Transportation Problem Team Project Proposal Brief OR 680 Project Course in Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Computational Modeling Members: Nathan Annis, David Beck, Matthew Fischl, Ursula Morris, Christopher Scandlen, and Anthony Rivera

    2. 2 Background Fairfax County residents want the School Board to push back middle and high school start times Currently, county high school first bell rings at 7:20am High school students board buses an hour before first bell Lack of sleep

    3. 3 Issues Associated with Lack of Sleep Increased Risk of unintentional injuries and death Drowsiness or fatigue has been identified as a major cause of traffic accidents Drivers 25 years old and younger caused more than 55 percent of fall-asleep crashes Difficulty controlling emotions and behavior problems Decreased ability to control, inhibit or change emotional responses Increased aggressive behaviors Increased likelihood of stimulant use Low grades and poor school performance Issues Associated with lack of Sleep Increase Risk of unintentional injuries and death: As reported, drowsiness or fatigue has been identified as a mayor cause of traffic accident each year in the United States. A North Carolina study reports that drivers 25 years old and younger caused more than 55 percent of fall-asleep crashes in that state. Low grades and poor school performance: According to surveys, high school students having academic problems earning C’s or below, reported getting less sleep than students reporting higher grades. Difficulty controlling emotions and behavior problems: It has been reported that sleep loss may be associated with a decreased ability to control, inhibit or change emotional responses. It is also found that shorter sleep times or later sleep start time conducted to aggressive behaviors. Increase likelihood of stimulant use. Issues Associated with lack of Sleep Increase Risk of unintentional injuries and death: As reported, drowsiness or fatigue has been identified as a mayor cause of traffic accident each year in the United States. A North Carolina study reports that drivers 25 years old and younger caused more than 55 percent of fall-asleep crashes in that state. Low grades and poor school performance: According to surveys, high school students having academic problems earning C’s or below, reported getting less sleep than students reporting higher grades. Difficulty controlling emotions and behavior problems: It has been reported that sleep loss may be associated with a decreased ability to control, inhibit or change emotional responses. It is also found that shorter sleep times or later sleep start time conducted to aggressive behaviors. Increase likelihood of stimulant use.

    4. 4 Impact of Schedule Change Impact on Bell schedules of elementary and middle or junior high schools Shift in schedule buses, food services and other nonacademic services provided Impacts entire county school system Transportation Services Single most complex, costly and most significant factor among school districts across the nation Different aspects of the transportation services must be considered (Number of buses, routing, drivers available, etc.) Impact of Schedule Change Impact on Bell schedules of elementary and middle or junior high schools. In order to accommodate high school student schedule change, a shift in schedule buses, food services and other nonacademic services provided by the institution will have to change or shift. This impact is not local to the school, but ripples across the entire county school system. Transportation Services. Transportation services may be the single most complex, costly and most significant factor among school districts across the nation. In order to accommodate a schedule change, different aspects of the transportation services must be considered. Number of buses, routing (traffic, routes…), drivers available, etc… are example of factors that will be impacted or altered by changing bell start times, resulting in a more complex and costly problem. Athletic programs and extracurricular activities. As results to later start times, the domino effect will directly influence the timing of after hour activities such as athletic programs and extracurricular activities which are limited to the daylight period. School food services. A factor that also must be considered is the impact on later start times on school food services. Such change would require a change in meal times or the addition of breakfast services. Such services change may further complicate the existing problem by adding cost and resources requirements. Safety. On of the biggest problems or issues related to later schedule changes is the safety concerns related to daylight and darkness. This issue is a mayor concern through out the community. Impact of Schedule Change Impact on Bell schedules of elementary and middle or junior high schools. In order to accommodate high school student schedule change, a shift in schedule buses, food services and other nonacademic services provided by the institution will have to change or shift. This impact is not local to the school, but ripples across the entire county school system. Transportation Services. Transportation services may be the single most complex, costly and most significant factor among school districts across the nation. In order to accommodate a schedule change, different aspects of the transportation services must be considered. Number of buses, routing (traffic, routes…), drivers available, etc… are example of factors that will be impacted or altered by changing bell start times, resulting in a more complex and costly problem. Athletic programs and extracurricular activities. As results to later start times, the domino effect will directly influence the timing of after hour activities such as athletic programs and extracurricular activities which are limited to the daylight period. School food services. A factor that also must be considered is the impact on later start times on school food services. Such change would require a change in meal times or the addition of breakfast services. Such services change may further complicate the existing problem by adding cost and resources requirements. Safety. On of the biggest problems or issues related to later schedule changes is the safety concerns related to daylight and darkness. This issue is a mayor concern through out the community.

    5. 5 Impact of Schedule Change Athletic programs and extracurricular activities. Domino effect: will directly influence the timing of after hour activities such as athletic programs and extracurricular activities that are limited to the daylight period School food services Change would require a change in meal times or the addition of breakfast services Safety One of the biggest problems or issues related to later schedule changes is the safety concerns related to daylight and darkness

    6. 6 Scale and complexity of current system Average over 117,000 students transported daily 1,136 assigned buses 7,294 home-to-school bus routes 242 schools and educational programs Many competing interests FCPS Board Start Later for Excellence in Education Proposal (SLEEP) Cost impacts Current Problem

    7. 7 What has been done? Study by DMG Maximus (2000) Transportation system had reached its limits “needed restructuring, strategic logistical planning, and additional fleet resources.” Study by MPS (2005) Bell schedule changes should not be implemented under the constraints defined in the study Additional modeling studies should be conducted with less rigid constraints DMG Study A study completed by DMG Maximus in 2000 found that the student transportation system had reached its limits and required “restructuring, strategic logistical planning, and additional fleet resources.” Some suspect that schedules for majority of students can be compressed fairly easily; lengthy, lightly loaded routes for programs outside of school boundaries thought to be major obstacle Currently, it is not unusual for buses to fail to arrive on time Scale and complexity of current system Average over 117,000 students transported daily 1,136 assigned buses 7,294 home-to-school bus routes 242 schools and educational programs MPS Study Fairfax County School Board hired transportation consultant having experience with bell time analysis and school bus routing Objectives were: Assess current transportation system’s cost effectiveness and routing efficiency Define transportation assumptions and constraints needed to implement new bell schedules Develop least-cost option for delaying secondary school opening and closing times Estimate capital and operational cost or benefit of changing bell schedules Identify service and safety issues or improvements that might result from modified bell schedules DMG Study A study completed by DMG Maximus in 2000 found that the student transportation system had reached its limits and required “restructuring, strategic logistical planning, and additional fleet resources.” Some suspect that schedules for majority of students can be compressed fairly easily; lengthy, lightly loaded routes for programs outside of school boundaries thought to be major obstacle Currently, it is not unusual for buses to fail to arrive on time Scale and complexity of current system Average over 117,000 students transported daily 1,136 assigned buses 7,294 home-to-school bus routes 242 schools and educational programs MPS Study Fairfax County School Board hired transportation consultant having experience with bell time analysis and school bus routing Objectives were: Assess current transportation system’s cost effectiveness and routing efficiency Define transportation assumptions and constraints needed to implement new bell schedules Develop least-cost option for delaying secondary school opening and closing times Estimate capital and operational cost or benefit of changing bell schedules Identify service and safety issues or improvements that might result from modified bell schedules

    8. 8 Project’s Goal Delay starting times for Fairfax County public high school students by redesigning school bus transportation system.

    9. 9 Scope Problem with size - the school system is divided into: Eight clusters These clusters are further divided into two to four pyramids Pyramids consist of a high school and the elementary and middle schools that feed it

    10. 10 Scope Solution Choose a smaller representative sample that reflects the logistical and demographic characteristics of the entire county Five pyramids (out of the possible 24) are currently selected. Chantilly Lake Braddock Marshall Mount Vernon Woodson [Note: pyramids include those that have simple transportation routes, more rural, suburban, heavier traffic, and various logistical barrier (Ft. Belvoir is such a barrier in the Mt Vernon district). Some pyramids have little special programs while others have an extensive amount ] Also, previous FCPS transportation studies have involved these pyramids, so there exists significant relevant data [Note: pyramids include those that have simple transportation routes, more rural, suburban, heavier traffic, and various logistical barrier (Ft. Belvoir is such a barrier in the Mt Vernon district). Some pyramids have little special programs while others have an extensive amount ] Also, previous FCPS transportation studies have involved these pyramids, so there exists significant relevant data

    11. 11 Scope Problems None of the pyramids in FCPS are self contained i.e., bus routes are composed of routes outside a given pyramid May have to simplify model or narrow scope to accommodate this structure

    12. 12 Initial Requirements System shall provide a transportation solution for part of FCPS to include variables such as (but not limited to): School start times Bus routes Student pickup times Bus storage locations Number of buses System shall be capable of being generalized to all of FCPS System shall be capable of showing measurable improvements

    13. 13 Plan

    14. 14 Technical Approach Three classes of approaches: Scheduling with time windows (STW) Vehicle routing with time windows (VRTW) Discrete event simulation This problem has a routing component and a scheduling component. The routing piece of this problem assigns students to school bus stops and assigns school bus stops to school bus routes. The scheduling piece assigns school buses to routes. We introduce time windows to explore this problem in the context of school starting times. School buses spend at an amount of time, defined by the time window, at each school bus stop or school along the route. This problem has a routing component and a scheduling component. The routing piece of this problem assigns students to school bus stops and assigns school bus stops to school bus routes. The scheduling piece assigns school buses to routes. We introduce time windows to explore this problem in the context of school starting times. School buses spend at an amount of time, defined by the time window, at each school bus stop or school along the route.

    15. 15 Technical Approach - STW School bus routes are fixed School buses are assigned to routes If school bus routes are given, then this problem reduces to a school bus scheduling problem. Here we assume that each route serves a school and a school bus can be assigned to multiple routes. If a school bus is assigned to a route, then the school bus starts at the beginning of the route, spends an amount of time, t , serving the route, and travels from the last stop of the route to the school that the route serves. The time intervals, or time windows, at each school bus stop and each school define the amount of time a bus spends at each location. If school bus routes are given, then this problem reduces to a school bus scheduling problem. Here we assume that each route serves a school and a school bus can be assigned to multiple routes. If a school bus is assigned to a route, then the school bus starts at the beginning of the route, spends an amount of time, t , serving the route, and travels from the last stop of the route to the school that the route serves. The time intervals, or time windows, at each school bus stop and each school define the amount of time a bus spends at each location.

    16. 16 Technical Approach - VRTW School bus stops are fixed Routes are chosen by grouping bus stops Here, routes are not pre-defined. Collections of school bus stops and schools are chosen to form routes, and school bus stops are assigned to routes. Note that we can add another layer of complexity to this problem by assigning school children to bus stops. Here, routes are not pre-defined. Collections of school bus stops and schools are chosen to form routes, and school bus stops are assigned to routes. Note that we can add another layer of complexity to this problem by assigning school children to bus stops.

    17. 17 Technical Approach - Simulation Queueing theory angle to this problem. School bus route can be interpreted as an open queueing network. A school bus route can also be modeled as a queueing network. Here, school buses flow into the network from a hub and are served by school bus stops or schools. Note that school bus stops and schools in this example are servers, so each has a service rate. Simulations can be run for different route constructs, and comparisons can be made on average time of arrival to each server that is a school and for total costs of different routes.A school bus route can also be modeled as a queueing network. Here, school buses flow into the network from a hub and are served by school bus stops or schools. Note that school bus stops and schools in this example are servers, so each has a service rate. Simulations can be run for different route constructs, and comparisons can be made on average time of arrival to each server that is a school and for total costs of different routes.

    18. 18 Resources - Advisors Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Steve Hunt (School Board Member) Technical Advisor Dr. Bob Zarnich Faculty Member Advisor Dr. Karla Hoffman

    19. 19 Resources - Data Fairfax County Public School Board FCPS Office of Transportation Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Start Later for Excellence and Education Proposal (SLEEP) Management Partnership Services (MPS)

    20. 20 Questions

    21. 21 Backup Slides

    22. 22 Background The Root Problem Sleep, like eating, is a biological necessity In the 1970s, studies examined variations in sleep patterns as children age Research done in the 1990s provided more insights During puberty, most teenagers’ natural sleep cycles shift toward later hours Difficult to fall asleep until after 11 pm Hard to be alert before 8 am Sleep cycles typically are later than those for young children and adults The average teenager requires 9.25 hours of sleep each night Sleep, like eating, is a biological necessity In the 1970s, studies examined variations in sleep patterns as children age. Research conducted in the 1990s provided more insights on the subject. As they pass through puberty, most (not all) teenagers’ natural sleep cycles (and biological clocks, or circadian rhythms) shift toward later hours. They find it difficult to fall asleep until after 11 pm It is difficult for them to be alert before 8 am Sleep cycles typically are later than those for young children and adults The average teenager requires 9.25 hours of sleep each night.Sleep, like eating, is a biological necessity In the 1970s, studies examined variations in sleep patterns as children age. Research conducted in the 1990s provided more insights on the subject. As they pass through puberty, most (not all) teenagers’ natural sleep cycles (and biological clocks, or circadian rhythms) shift toward later hours. They find it difficult to fall asleep until after 11 pm It is difficult for them to be alert before 8 am Sleep cycles typically are later than those for young children and adults The average teenager requires 9.25 hours of sleep each night.

    23. 23 Background Root Problem (continued) School start times do not fit adolescent students’ sleep cycles; several negative effects on students Academic performance Physical health Mental health Emotional and behavioral problems School start times do not fit adolescent students’ sleep cycles, which has several negative effects on students. Academic performance, due to less alertness and hindered ability to think and learn Physical health, in form of greater susceptibility to illness Mental health, including increased likelihood of depression Emotional and behavioral problems, like increased irritabilitySchool start times do not fit adolescent students’ sleep cycles, which has several negative effects on students. Academic performance, due to less alertness and hindered ability to think and learn Physical health, in form of greater susceptibility to illness Mental health, including increased likelihood of depression Emotional and behavioral problems, like increased irritability

    24. 24 Background Root Problem (continued) Delaying start times would reduce negative effects, plus provide additional benefits Less unsupervised time after school Fewer accidents Current start times for Fairfax County schools High schools: at or after 7:20 pm Middle schools: at or after 7:25 pm First bus pickup in Fairfax County: 5:23 a.m. Delaying start times would reduce these negative effects, plus provide additional benefits Less unsupervised time after school to engage in criminal, risky, or similarly undesirable behavior. Fewer accidents, including automobile accidents caused by teenagers falling asleep at the wheel. Current start times for Fairfax County schools High schools: at or after 7:20 pm Middle schools: at or after 7:25 pm First bus pickup in Fairfax County is 5:23 a.m.Delaying start times would reduce these negative effects, plus provide additional benefits Less unsupervised time after school to engage in criminal, risky, or similarly undesirable behavior. Fewer accidents, including automobile accidents caused by teenagers falling asleep at the wheel. Current start times for Fairfax County schools High schools: at or after 7:20 pm Middle schools: at or after 7:25 pm First bus pickup in Fairfax County is 5:23 a.m.

    25. 25 Background Other Schools/Districts Have Taken Action In 1997, Minneapolis shifted high school start times from 7:15 a.m. to 8:40 a.m. Students went to bed at same time as before, so change resulted in more sleep time Grades improved only slightly, but behavioral improvements were noted In 1998, a Fayette County, KY school district moved its start times from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Crash rates for county teenagers 16-18 years old declined Individual schools or districts in 19 states reportedly have delayed their start times More than 100 school districts in 17 other states are considering this action Other schools have shifted start times for secondary students to later hours, with positive results In 1997, Minneapolis shifted high school start times from 7:15 a.m. to 8:40 a.m. The Minneapolis School Board concluded that students went to bed at the same time as before, so change resulted in more sleep time. Grades improved only slightly, but behavioral improvements were noted. In 1998, a Fayette County, KY school district moved its start times from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Crash rates for county teenagers 16-18 years old declined According to information on the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) Web site, individual schools or districts in 19 states have delayed their start times and more than 100 school districts in 17 other states are considering this action.Other schools have shifted start times for secondary students to later hours, with positive results In 1997, Minneapolis shifted high school start times from 7:15 a.m. to 8:40 a.m. The Minneapolis School Board concluded that students went to bed at the same time as before, so change resulted in more sleep time. Grades improved only slightly, but behavioral improvements were noted. In 1998, a Fayette County, KY school district moved its start times from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Crash rates for county teenagers 16-18 years old declined According to information on the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) Web site, individual schools or districts in 19 states have delayed their start times and more than 100 school districts in 17 other states are considering this action.

    26. 26 Background Local Studies In 1991, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) produced an issues paper on reversing (swapping) bell schedules In 1997, Montgomery County conducted a study of school bell times In June 1998, a Task Force formed by Fairfax County Public Schools to study alternatives for delaying high school opening times 53 appointees Ten meetings Obstacles to changing the bell schedules identified Recommended that bell schedules should be changed Concluded that FCPS needed additional technical and strategic expertise to facilitate the transportation improvements needed for implementation Studies done in the Washington, DC area include: In 1991, Fairfax County Public Schools produced an issues paper on reversing (swapping) bell schedules In 1997, Montgomery County conducted a study of school bell times In June 1998, a Task Force formed by Fairfax County Public Schools to study alternatives for delaying high school opening times published its report. 53 appointees, including parents, students, representatives of community organizations, and school system personnel Ten meetings were held Task force identified obstacles to changing the bell schedules Among other findings and recommendations, task force concluded that bell schedules should be changed Task force concluded that FCPS needed additional technical and strategic expertise to facilitate the transportation improvements needed to implement this recommendation.Studies done in the Washington, DC area include: In 1991, Fairfax County Public Schools produced an issues paper on reversing (swapping) bell schedules In 1997, Montgomery County conducted a study of school bell times In June 1998, a Task Force formed by Fairfax County Public Schools to study alternatives for delaying high school opening times published its report. 53 appointees, including parents, students, representatives of community organizations, and school system personnel Ten meetings were held Task force identified obstacles to changing the bell schedules Among other findings and recommendations, task force concluded that bell schedules should be changed Task force concluded that FCPS needed additional technical and strategic expertise to facilitate the transportation improvements needed to implement this recommendation.

    27. 27 Background Local Studies (continued) Arlington Public Schools implemented a later start time for high school students in 2001 that gave the students an extra 45 minutes of sleep. In 2004, a pilot program for a new bell schedule in the Madison pyramid was planned [unknown if this actually occurred]. After about two years of study, Arlington Public Schools implemented a later start time for high school students in 2001 that gave the students an extra 45 minutes of sleep. In 2004, a pilot program for a new bell schedule in the Madison pyramid was planned [unknown if this actually occurred].After about two years of study, Arlington Public Schools implemented a later start time for high school students in 2001 that gave the students an extra 45 minutes of sleep. In 2004, a pilot program for a new bell schedule in the Madison pyramid was planned [unknown if this actually occurred].

    28. 28 Background Common Obstacles Transportation After school activities; they should not have priority over learning Impact on other students and programs, including special education students and counseling services Teachers and coaches who might prefer earlier times Family schedules Common obstacles to later high school starting times Transportation After school activities; they should not have priority over learning Impact on other students and programs, including special education students and counseling services Teachers and coaches who might prefer earlier times Family schedulesCommon obstacles to later high school starting times Transportation After school activities; they should not have priority over learning Impact on other students and programs, including special education students and counseling services Teachers and coaches who might prefer earlier times Family schedules

    29. 29 Background Transportation Considerations for Fairfax County Public Schools Study by DMG Maximus in 2000 found that transportation system had reached its limits and required “restructuring, strategic logistical planning, and additional fleet resources.” Effects of lengthy, lightly loaded routes for programs outside of school boundaries Bus failure to arrive on time is not unusual Scale and complexity of current system Average over 117,000 students transported daily 1,136 assigned buses 7,294 home-to-school bus routes 242 schools and educational programs Transportation Considerations for Fairfax County Public Schools A study completed by DMG Maximus in 2000 found that the student transportation system had reached its limits and required “restructuring, strategic logistical planning, and additional fleet resources.” Some suspect that schedules for majority of students can be compressed fairly easily; lengthy, lightly loaded routes for programs outside of school boundaries thought to be major obstacle Currently, it is not unusual for buses to fail to arrive on time Scale and complexity of current system Average over 117,000 students transported daily 1,136 assigned buses 7,294 home-to-school bus routes 242 schools and educational programsTransportation Considerations for Fairfax County Public Schools A study completed by DMG Maximus in 2000 found that the student transportation system had reached its limits and required “restructuring, strategic logistical planning, and additional fleet resources.” Some suspect that schedules for majority of students can be compressed fairly easily; lengthy, lightly loaded routes for programs outside of school boundaries thought to be major obstacle Currently, it is not unusual for buses to fail to arrive on time Scale and complexity of current system Average over 117,000 students transported daily 1,136 assigned buses 7,294 home-to-school bus routes 242 schools and educational programs

    30. 30 Background Recent Study (MPS) Fairfax County School Board hired transportation consultant having experience with bell time analysis and school bus routing Objectives were: Assess current transportation system’s cost effectiveness and routing efficiency Define transportation assumptions and constraints needed to implement new bell schedules Develop least-cost option for delaying secondary school opening and closing times Estimate capital and operational cost or benefit of changing bell schedules Identify service and safety issues or improvements that might result from modified bell schedules Recent Study Fairfax County School Board hired transportation consultant having experience with bell time analysis and school bus routing Objectives were: Assess current transportation system’s cost effectiveness and routing efficiency Define transportation assumptions and constraints needed to implement new bell schedules Develop least-cost option for delaying secondary school opening and closing times Estimate capital and operational cost or benefit of changing bell schedules Identify service and safety issues or improvements that might result from modified bell schedulesRecent Study Fairfax County School Board hired transportation consultant having experience with bell time analysis and school bus routing Objectives were: Assess current transportation system’s cost effectiveness and routing efficiency Define transportation assumptions and constraints needed to implement new bell schedules Develop least-cost option for delaying secondary school opening and closing times Estimate capital and operational cost or benefit of changing bell schedules Identify service and safety issues or improvements that might result from modified bell schedules

    31. 31 Background Recent Study (continued) Conclusions: Fairfax County Public School bus routes and schedules well-designed Transportation department is sophisticated in planning and use of technology Changing bell schedules would cost an estimated $44 million, representing a 51% increase in transportation costs Recommendations: Bell schedule changes should not be implemented under the constraints defined in the study Additional modeling studies should be conducted with less rigid constraints Conclusions: Fairfax County Public School bus routes and schedules were well-designed Transportation department is sophisticated in planning and its use of technology Changing bell schedules would cost an estimated $44 million, representing a 51% increase in transportation costs. Recommendations: Bell schedule changes should not be implemented under the constraints defined in the study. Additional modeling studies should be conducted with less rigid constraintsConclusions: Fairfax County Public School bus routes and schedules were well-designed Transportation department is sophisticated in planning and its use of technology Changing bell schedules would cost an estimated $44 million, representing a 51% increase in transportation costs. Recommendations: Bell schedule changes should not be implemented under the constraints defined in the study. Additional modeling studies should be conducted with less rigid constraints

    32. 32 Background Recent Study (continued) Report provides good information on: Transportation costs and cost benchmarks Overall bus fleet deployment and utilization statistics Ten bell schedule scenarios that were modeled, and the results produced Report provides good information on: Transportation costs and cost benchmarks Overall bus fleet deployment and utilization statistics, which indicate that the present transportation system is approaching maximum utilization The report described ten bell schedule scenarios that were modeled, and the results producedReport provides good information on: Transportation costs and cost benchmarks Overall bus fleet deployment and utilization statistics, which indicate that the present transportation system is approaching maximum utilization The report described ten bell schedule scenarios that were modeled, and the results produced

    33. 33 Background Concerned Parties Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Composed of ten persons Represents stakeholders SLEEP (Start Later for Excellence in Education Proposal) Formed in January 2004 by two Fairfax County parents Works with other stakeholders Very passionate about the need to delay secondary school start times Provides substantial input on studies planned or underway Maintains current and very informative Web site Circulated petition with 6,000 names to the superintendent and Fairfax County School Board Mapped out the routes for one high school in Fairfax County and concluded that substantial improvements in route design were possible Some of the concerned parties include: Community Advisory Committee (CAC) composed of ten persons represents stakeholders SLEEP (Start Later for Excellence in Education Proposal) Formed in January 2004 by two Fairfax County parents Works with other stakeholders Is very passionate about the need to delay secondary school start times has provided substantial input maintains a current and very informative Web site Circulated petition with 6,000 names to the superintendent and Fairfax County School Board Mapped out the routes for one high school in Fairfax County and concluded that substantial improvements in route design were possible.Some of the concerned parties include: Community Advisory Committee (CAC) composed of ten persons represents stakeholders SLEEP (Start Later for Excellence in Education Proposal) Formed in January 2004 by two Fairfax County parents Works with other stakeholders Is very passionate about the need to delay secondary school start times has provided substantial input maintains a current and very informative Web site Circulated petition with 6,000 names to the superintendent and Fairfax County School Board Mapped out the routes for one high school in Fairfax County and concluded that substantial improvements in route design were possible.

    34. 34 Background Concerned Parties (continued) SLEEP (continued) Was not satisfied with results produced to date by transportation consultant Wanted report to present potential solutions instead of identifying obstacles Believes that a future study must analyze specific routes, identify efficiencies and recommend policy changes Believes that a general computer analysis of the system would be inadequate Believes that estimate of costs was worst-case scenario Wonders why Fairfax County cannot accomplish later start times similar to Arlington County and Loudoun County SLEEP Was not satisfied with results produced by transportation consultant for Phase I of study. Wanted report to present potential solutions instead of identifying obstacles Believes that a future study must analyze specific routes, identify efficiencies and recommend policy changes. A general computer analysis of the system would not be adequate. Believes that estimate of costs was worst-case scenario. Wonders why Fairfax County cannot accomplish later start times similar to Arlington County and Loudoun County.SLEEP Was not satisfied with results produced by transportation consultant for Phase I of study. Wanted report to present potential solutions instead of identifying obstacles Believes that a future study must analyze specific routes, identify efficiencies and recommend policy changes. A general computer analysis of the system would not be adequate. Believes that estimate of costs was worst-case scenario. Wonders why Fairfax County cannot accomplish later start times similar to Arlington County and Loudoun County.

    35. 35 SLEEP Start Later for Excellence in Education Proposal Fairfax based initiative that advocates later start times for FCPS middle and high school students “Revise the Rule, set a normal time to school “ Sleep is an organization founded by Sandy Evans, a Fairfax parent, and Phyllis Payne, that advocates later start time for county middle and high schools. A slogan that summarizes the effort is “Revise the rule, set a normal time to school” (http://www.sleepinfairfax.org/#revise_the_rule). Sleep is an organization founded by Sandy Evans, a Fairfax parent, and Phyllis Payne, that advocates later start time for county middle and high schools. A slogan that summarizes the effort is “Revise the rule, set a normal time to school” (http://www.sleepinfairfax.org/#revise_the_rule).

    36. 36 SLEEP Website available with information about Sleep research Effects of later school start time Surveys Successful implementation of later start times Arlington, VA Denver, CO. Fayette County, KY. Wilton, CT. Jessamine Country, KY etc. Sleep is an organization founded by Sandy Evans, a Fairfax parent, and Phyllis Payne, that advocates later start time for county middle and high schools. A slogan that summarizes the effort is “Revise the rule, set a normal time to school” (http://www.sleepinfairfax.org/#revise_the_rule). The website offers a lot of valuable information e.g. about sleep research, the effects of later school start time on students academic and athletic performance, job availability, crime, teenage pregnancies etc. In general, later school start time showed an improvement in all these aspects. (It is possible to sign a petition online.) The web site also offers links to case studies from the NSF, The National Sleep Foundation, which point to the implementation of later start time in the following schooldistrict: Arlington, VA. Denver, CO. Fayette County, KY. Jessamine County, KY Wilton, CT. Sleep is an organization founded by Sandy Evans, a Fairfax parent, and Phyllis Payne, that advocates later start time for county middle and high schools. A slogan that summarizes the effort is “Revise the rule, set a normal time to school” (http://www.sleepinfairfax.org/#revise_the_rule). The website offers a lot of valuable information e.g. about sleep research, the effects of later school start time on students academic and athletic performance, job availability, crime, teenage pregnancies etc. In general, later school start time showed an improvement in all these aspects. (It is possible to sign a petition online.) The web site also offers links to case studies from the NSF, The National Sleep Foundation, which point to the implementation of later start time in the following schooldistrict: Arlington, VA. Denver, CO. Fayette County, KY. Jessamine County, KY Wilton, CT.

    37. 37 SLEEP Ideas already implemented in the above named school districts Flexible schedule allows students to choose their start and ending times (Denver, CO.) Extensive use of public transportation for students further than 3.5 mi (Denver, CO.) A 4-tier bus system splits elementary school (Fayette County, KY.) Sleep is an organization founded by Sandy Evans, a Fairfax parent, and Phyllis Payne, that advocates later start time for county middle and high schools. A slogan that summarizes the effort is “Revise the rule, set a normal time to school” (http://www.sleepinfairfax.org/#revise_the_rule). The website offers a lot of valuable information e.g. about sleep research, the effects of later school start time on students academic and athletic performance, job availability, crime, teenage pregnancies, depression, crash rates etc. In general, later school start time showed an improvement in all these aspects. (It is possible to sign a petition online.) The web site also offers links to case studies from the NSF, The National Sleep Foundation, which point to the implementation of later start time in the following school district: Arlington, VA. Denver, CO. Fayette County, KY. Jessamine County, KY Wilton, CT. These school districts, their characteristics, requirements and accomplished tasks vary. SLEEP is involved in FCPS activities concerning school start time and related issues. Ideas obtained from the Sleep website that have been used in other school district to enable earlier high school start times enclude flexible schedule allowing students to choose their start and ending times (Denver, CO.) The solution included intensive use of public transportation for students. Prior to the change Denver Public Schools provided transprotation to all students who attended neighborhood schools and lived at least 3.5 miles away. Transportation to all students attending magnet schools across the district, to special needs students and for all athletic programs was provided. The number of classes offered at the high school at a particular time is based on student demand. In the first year 20% of high schol students chose a later start to their school day. Fayette County, KY, delayed the start time one hour and operates on a 4-tier bus system, with elementary schools split into two groups. Sleep is an organization founded by Sandy Evans, a Fairfax parent, and Phyllis Payne, that advocates later start time for county middle and high schools. A slogan that summarizes the effort is “Revise the rule, set a normal time to school” (http://www.sleepinfairfax.org/#revise_the_rule). The website offers a lot of valuable information e.g. about sleep research, the effects of later school start time on students academic and athletic performance, job availability, crime, teenage pregnancies, depression, crash rates etc. In general, later school start time showed an improvement in all these aspects. (It is possible to sign a petition online.) The web site also offers links to case studies from the NSF, The National Sleep Foundation, which point to the implementation of later start time in the following school district: Arlington, VA. Denver, CO. Fayette County, KY. Jessamine County, KY Wilton, CT. These school districts, their characteristics, requirements and accomplished tasks vary. SLEEP is involved in FCPS activities concerning school start time and related issues. Ideas obtained from the Sleep website that have been used in other school district to enable earlier high school start times enclude flexible schedule allowing students to choose their start and ending times (Denver, CO.) The solution included intensive use of public transportation for students. Prior to the change Denver Public Schools provided transprotation to all students who attended neighborhood schools and lived at least 3.5 miles away. Transportation to all students attending magnet schools across the district, to special needs students and for all athletic programs was provided. The number of classes offered at the high school at a particular time is based on student demand. In the first year 20% of high schol students chose a later start to their school day. Fayette County, KY, delayed the start time one hour and operates on a 4-tier bus system, with elementary schools split into two groups.

    38. 38 SLEEP Further ideas found on SLEEP website Increase the number of out-of-bound students who are transported from a local shuttle stop rather than from a neighborhood pick-up location Alternative modes of transportation for small number of out of boundary students Use of rolling bell schedules for all school types Use of express buses that stop at fewer, centrally-located, neighborhood stops rather than many neighborhoods Sleep is an organization founded by Sandy Evans, a Fairfax parent, and Phyllis Payne, that advocates later start time for county middle and high schools. A slogan that summarizes the effort is “Revise the rule, set a normal time to school” (http://www.sleepinfairfax.org/#revise_the_rule). The website offers a lot of valuable information e.g. about sleep research, the effects of later school start time on students academic and athletic performance, job availability, crime, teenage pregnancies, depression, crash rates etc. In general, later school start time showed an improvement in all these aspects. (It is possible to sign a petition online.) The web site also offers links to case studies from the NSF, The National Sleep Foundation, which point to the implementation of later start time in the following school district: Arlington, VA. Denver, CO. Fayette County, KY. Jessamine County, KY Wilton, CT. These school districts, their characteristics, requirements and accomplished tasks vary. SLEEP is involved in FCPS activities concerning school start time and related issues. Ideas obtained from the Sleep website that have been used in other school district to enable earlier high school start times enclude flexible schedule allowing students to choose their start and ending times (Denver, CO.) The solution included intensive use of public transportation for students. Prior to the change Denver Public Schools provided transprotation to all students who attended neighborhood schools and lived at least 3.5 miles away. Transportation to all students attending magnet schools across the district, to special needs students and for all athletic programs was provided. The number of classes offered at the high school at a particular time is based on student demand. In the first year 20% of high schol students chose a later start to their school day. Fayette County, KY, delayed the start time one hour and operates on a 4-tier bus system, with elementary schools split into two groups. The different documents found on the SLEEP website contain some interesting ideas. Many of out-of-bounds students who now picked up at a neighborhood pick-up station could be transported from a local shuttle stop. An example is Bailey’s magnet school where parents drop their children off at a local elementary school. From there the children get transported to further schools. Source: SLEEP Transportation Consultant RFP Proposals Sleep is an organization founded by Sandy Evans, a Fairfax parent, and Phyllis Payne, that advocates later start time for county middle and high schools. A slogan that summarizes the effort is “Revise the rule, set a normal time to school” (http://www.sleepinfairfax.org/#revise_the_rule). The website offers a lot of valuable information e.g. about sleep research, the effects of later school start time on students academic and athletic performance, job availability, crime, teenage pregnancies, depression, crash rates etc. In general, later school start time showed an improvement in all these aspects. (It is possible to sign a petition online.) The web site also offers links to case studies from the NSF, The National Sleep Foundation, which point to the implementation of later start time in the following school district: Arlington, VA. Denver, CO. Fayette County, KY. Jessamine County, KY Wilton, CT. These school districts, their characteristics, requirements and accomplished tasks vary. SLEEP is involved in FCPS activities concerning school start time and related issues. Ideas obtained from the Sleep website that have been used in other school district to enable earlier high school start times enclude flexible schedule allowing students to choose their start and ending times (Denver, CO.) The solution included intensive use of public transportation for students. Prior to the change Denver Public Schools provided transprotation to all students who attended neighborhood schools and lived at least 3.5 miles away. Transportation to all students attending magnet schools across the district, to special needs students and for all athletic programs was provided. The number of classes offered at the high school at a particular time is based on student demand. In the first year 20% of high schol students chose a later start to their school day. Fayette County, KY, delayed the start time one hour and operates on a 4-tier bus system, with elementary schools split into two groups. The different documents found on the SLEEP website contain some interesting ideas. Many of out-of-bounds students who now picked up at a neighborhood pick-up station could be transported from a local shuttle stop. An example is Bailey’s magnet school where parents drop their children off at a local elementary school. From there the children get transported to further schools. Source: SLEEP Transportation Consultant RFP Proposals

    39. 39 SLEEP Change of eligibility for bus transport for secondary students from current 1.5 to 2.x miles Sleep is an organization founded by Sandy Evans, a Fairfax parent, and Phyllis Payne, that advocates later start time for county middle and high schools. A slogan that summarizes the effort is “Revise the rule, set a normal time to school” (http://www.sleepinfairfax.org/#revise_the_rule). The website offers a lot of valuable information e.g. about sleep research, the effects of later school start time on students academic and athletic performance, job availability, crime, teenage pregnancies, depression, crash rates etc. In general, later school start time showed an improvement in all these aspects. (It is possible to sign a petition online.) The web site also offers links to case studies from the NSF, The National Sleep Foundation, which point to the implementation of later start time in the following school district: Arlington, VA. Denver, CO. Fayette County, KY. Jessamine County, KY Wilton, CT. These school districts, their characteristics, requirements and accomplished tasks vary. SLEEP is involved in FCPS activities concerning school start time and related issues. Ideas obtained from the Sleep website that have been used in other school district to enable earlier high school start times enclude flexible schedule allowing students to choose their start and ending times (Denver, CO.) The solution included intensive use of public transportation for students. Prior to the change Denver Public Schools provided transprotation to all students who attended neighborhood schools and lived at least 3.5 miles away. Transportation to all students attending magnet schools across the district, to special needs students and for all athletic programs was provided. The number of classes offered at the high school at a particular time is based on student demand. In the first year 20% of high school students chose a later start to their school day. Fayette County, KY, delayed the start time one hour and operates on a 4-tier bus system, with elementary schools split into two groups. The different documents found on the SLEEP website contain some interesting ideas. Many of out-of-bounds students who now picked up at a neighborhood pick-up station could be transported from a local shuttle stop. An example is Bailey’s magnet school where parents drop their children off at a local elementary school. From there the children get transported to further schools. Following information is taken from http://sleepinfairfax.org/research.html “Sleep Comments on Constraints and Assumptions for the Transportation Study. Sleep is an organization founded by Sandy Evans, a Fairfax parent, and Phyllis Payne, that advocates later start time for county middle and high schools. A slogan that summarizes the effort is “Revise the rule, set a normal time to school” (http://www.sleepinfairfax.org/#revise_the_rule). The website offers a lot of valuable information e.g. about sleep research, the effects of later school start time on students academic and athletic performance, job availability, crime, teenage pregnancies, depression, crash rates etc. In general, later school start time showed an improvement in all these aspects. (It is possible to sign a petition online.) The web site also offers links to case studies from the NSF, The National Sleep Foundation, which point to the implementation of later start time in the following school district: Arlington, VA. Denver, CO. Fayette County, KY. Jessamine County, KY Wilton, CT. These school districts, their characteristics, requirements and accomplished tasks vary. SLEEP is involved in FCPS activities concerning school start time and related issues. Ideas obtained from the Sleep website that have been used in other school district to enable earlier high school start times enclude flexible schedule allowing students to choose their start and ending times (Denver, CO.) The solution included intensive use of public transportation for students. Prior to the change Denver Public Schools provided transprotation to all students who attended neighborhood schools and lived at least 3.5 miles away. Transportation to all students attending magnet schools across the district, to special needs students and for all athletic programs was provided. The number of classes offered at the high school at a particular time is based on student demand. In the first year 20% of high school students chose a later start to their school day. Fayette County, KY, delayed the start time one hour and operates on a 4-tier bus system, with elementary schools split into two groups. The different documents found on the SLEEP website contain some interesting ideas. Many of out-of-bounds students who now picked up at a neighborhood pick-up station could be transported from a local shuttle stop. An example is Bailey’s magnet school where parents drop their children off at a local elementary school. From there the children get transported to further schools. Following information is taken from http://sleepinfairfax.org/research.html “Sleep Comments on Constraints and Assumptions for the Transportation Study.

    40. 40 Background Doctors agree that children and teenagers need more sleep than adults; 9 1/2 hours or more a night is recommended for a typical teenager. Several school districts around the country have decided to ring the opening bell a little later, after some studies showed that more shut-eye benefits children. Minneapolis students showed that after the district moved its start time from 7:15 to 8:40 a.m., students got slightly better grades, were less likely to miss classes and experienced less depression.

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