Several Schools to Operate on a 'Tiered' Schedule

Students at 17 Portland schools will have to adjust their schedules next fall when the Portland Public Schools changes opening and closing times.

Sarah Carlin Ames, spoke-sperson for the district, said the changes will bring three major benefits:

• Teachers and staff at neighboring schools will be better able to meet for planning and professional development if their schools have the same schedule.

• Portland Public Schools will save $500,000 in state and local transportation costs by adjusting school schedules to fit a tiered timetable.

• During storms or other inclement weather, the district will have greater flexibility to close only individual schools or schools in certain areas of town for the least disruption of school days.

Of the 17 schools with new schedules, nine will start later in the morning, with an 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. schedule: Alameda, Bridger, Chief Joseph, Faubion, Lent, Markham, Rieke and Woodlawn elementary schools and Ockley Green Middle School.

Seven will start earlier. WoodstockElementary School will adopt an 8:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. schedule; Ainsworth, Clarendon, Glencoe, Peninsula, Richmond and Scott elementary schools will have an 8 a.m. opening and 2:15 p.m. release.