The School Committee on Thursday adopted a three-run transportation schedule for the 2027-28 school year.

That option has high school and middle school students starting at 7:45 a.m. and ending at 2:15 p.m. With this choice, the school day for Hopkins School runs 8:25 a.m. to 2:55 p.m. At Marathon School and the new Charleswood School, the schedule will be 9:05 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The budget impact is a decrease of $245,040 because fewer buses will be required, especially on the second run that would have 20 fewer buses.

Superintendent Evan Bishop noted that a survey with more than 800 responses earlier this year showed a consensus about adopting a three-run option. The other three-run option had high school students starting in the second time slot.

Also taken into consideration were 100 direct responses from the public in addition to feedback about the YMCA before/after-school care program. The latter showed the schedule change having little impact in K-4 because the times shift by no more than 10 minutes. It also expands care access to Grade 6 families.

Bishop also reviewed staff and student surveys at the high school. Staff had 84.27% (112 responses) preferring the earlier start time and 15.8% (21 responses) in favor of the 8:25 a.m. start time.

For students, the results were the same. Out of 1,271 students at the high school, 838 responded to the survey. Approximately 70% opted for the earlier start time.

The superintendent also surveyed Hopkins staff in Grades 4-5, with 73.4% (56 responses) choosing the second 8:25 a.m. start time. Grade 6 staff, who will be moving from the middle school to Hopkins School, showed a preference for the earliest time, keeping with current practice. About 39% of respondents (9 responses) were in favor of the change to the middle run.

“It really shows a lot about our district that we value the input of our students,” School Committee chair Kira McSweeney said.

Student representatives Jillian Toran and Matty Lydon liked the selected option because it provides more time for after-school sports, clubs and jobs. Lydon added the availability of teachers overseeing clubs after school is another important factor.

Member Nancy Cavanaugh said choosing the option that saved the most money speaks to the School Committee’s goal of responsible budget stewardship.

Added member Chris Masters: “It makes the most practical and fiscal sense.”

Bishop thanked committee members for their thoughtfulness in making the decision.

“It’s not going to please everybody, but I think with all the information that was put together …it’s just practical,” he said.

The superintendent said the next step is to start the process of preparing for the grade reconfiguration that will occur when Charleswood School opens. Charleswood will have students in Grades 2, 3 and 4, while Hopkins School will change from Grades 4 and 5 to Grades 5 and 6 (with the latter grade moving from the middle school).

Enrollment shows uptick

In other business, the superintendent reported an enrollment of 4,217 students in the district — pre-kindergarten through Grade 12 — an increase of three students since August.

Bishop also recognized Kathy Bieri, a cafeteria worker who is starting her 41st year of service. Bishop called her tenure a “unique accomplishment” and described her as “incredibly kind.”

The committee reviewed its goals, which members will vote on at the next meeting.

The goals include community connectedness, responsible stewardship of assets, and diversity, equity and inclusion support.

Cavanaugh noted she would like DEI efforts to extend to students and parents/caretakers with disabilities in the community. Member Sandra Irwin expressed interest in being a liaison to the town’s Commission on Disability.

Cavanaugh, a member of the Commission on Disability (but not as an official representative of the School Committee), said it would be great to have a liaison. That process involves going before the Select Board for approval.