Next Steps

On February 13, 2023, the Ridgewood Board of Education passed a resolution on Alternate Start Time. The resolution reads as follows:

Approval: Implementation of the Later Start Initiative at Ridgewood High School

The Ridgewood Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Interim Superintendent of Schools, approves the implementation of the Later Start Initiative at Ridgewood High School with school starting at 8:20 AM and ending at 3:05 PM  with period 9 available for students until 3:30 PM. The high school administration, working with staff and students, will determine the structure for the instructional day and length of class periods within the 8:20 AM to 3:30 PM parameters.  This initiative will be in place for the 2023-2024 school year.

As we continue through the process of implementing this change, we will continue to share updates and information. Thank you for your continued support, patience, and trust.

Past meetings:

• November 8: Present information at each faculty meeting; collect staff feedback; and make adjustments as necessary

• December 1: Present an update on the Alternative Schedules Initiative to the entire community. This public event was held at 7:00 p.m. in the Benjamin Franklin Middle School auditorium. 

• December 7: Preliminary community survey postponed. View the letter from Dr. Gorman below.

• January: Alternative Schedules Task Force met.

• May: Alternative Schedules Surveys will be launched the week of May 2, 2022.

• February 6, 2023: Ridgewood High School Principal Jeff Nyhuis and almuna, RPS parent, and pediatrician Dr. Anne C. Robinson presented "Finding a Healthy Balance", a proposal for moving to a later start time at Ridgewood High School. 

View the presentation PDF

View the webcast and scroll to (38:56) 

• February 13, 2023: The Board of Education passes resolution on Alternate Start Time for Ridgewood High School. This initiative will be in place for the 2023-2024 school year.