The times, they are a changin.’
When Coupeville schools return for the 2026-2027 school year in the fall, start and end times for students will be altered.
Beginning in September, the high school and middle school will start at 7:50 AM, with release on normal days coming at 2:20 PM.
Meanwhile, the elementary school will run from 9:10-3:40.
The shifts are directly related to transportation issues.
“The reason for the change comes down to island geography and the limits of our current bus fleet,” said Superintendent Shannon Leatherwood.
“With the distance between our schools, we simply cannot serve both buildings with the buses we have if they dismiss at the same time.
“Staggered times give our drivers the window they need to complete drop-off at the secondary schools and travel down island for elementary pickup.”
The district conducted a transportation survey before making the changes.
“We heard you — and we know this change is not easy for everyone,” Leatherwood said.
“The survey did show a preference — though not an overwhelming one — for moving towards a single unified schedule for all schools.”
With that in mind, district officials pledge to continue to work on answers.
“We will continue actively planning for our future,” Leatherwood said.
“If this remains the goal, we will plan to add additional buses that would make combined routes possible and allow all buildings to operate on the same schedule.
“This will take time and investment, and we will keep families informed as well as seek feedback as we work towards the needs of our families.”
Coupeville Sports 