N.L. school start-time changes could save millions, minister says

Newfoundland and Labrador’s transport minister says proposed changes to school start and end times could save the province between $5 million and $6 million a year. Barry Petten said the plan, which is being surveyed among families at 37 schools, could reduce the number of buses needed by using a doublerun system. Under the proposal, some schools could shift their schedules by as much as an hour starting in September 2027. Petten said the savings could be redirected to other education costs, including school maintenance. He also acknowledged the changes could create challenges for parents, especially around child care and family schedules, and said the government is seeking feedback before making a final decision.