Start times and dismissal times at Geary USD 475’s high school, middle schools, and elementary schools was up for discussion during Thursday’s teacher contract talks.

Currently the high school starts the earliest at 7:45 a.m. and dismisses at 2:45 p.m. while the middle schools start at 8:25 a.m. and dismiss at 3:25 p.m. and the elementary schools start at 8:20 a.m. and dismiss at 3:35 p.m..

Dr. Beth Hudson, Associate Superintendent explained that Thursday’s talks were just informational sessions.

“A lot of discussion about what happens if we change starting times at each of those three places. It impacts all three buildings so all three buildings have to be included in the discussion and part of the agreement.”

Currently discussions revolve around possibly starting later at the high school, earlier at the middle school and elementary schools.

“That’s just the discussion we want to get information back from what our staff thinks what it means for our community. It’s potentially its a way for us to gain more time instructionaly at the middle schools is our hope.”

Kathy Rankin, Junction City Education Association President, explained that there is an issue currently with the timing at the middle schools and when athletes leave for their events. She also said they would be looking at the starting time for high school as well.

“Research also shows that high schoolers do better if they start a little bit later in the morning, rather than at 7:45, they’re just not on their game then.”

Changing the times at both the high school and middle schools would also effect the times at the elementary schools.

“It’s not even just a balancing act, it’s juggling because were dealing with three different entities here,” Rankin said.

No action was taken on the starting times and will be up for discussion again later in the contract talks process.