In April, the Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education approved a new schedule that will back up school start times and will provide consistency for teachers and students alike.

This new schedule gives district officials more time to decide on weather-related closings or delays during the winter months, allows high schoolers to start school later in the morning, provides consistent work hours for teachers at all schools and provides consistent start times by grade span.

The district’s middle schools will start at 7:30 a.m., and high schools will start at 8:30 a.m. Elementary Schools will be split into two groups, half of which will start with the high schools and half of which will start with the middle schools.

A panel of teachers, principals and administrators spent a considerable amount of time researching and developing the new schedule.

Some parents weren’t pleased with the decision, however.

Some felt high school students would be out too late with athletic events, or that they wouldn’t be able to get after-school jobs because of the later dismissal time. Others felt that young elementary students would be out at bus stops too early in the morning. Another concern was how the new schedules might interfere with parents’ work schedules.

The school system is partnering with local YMCAs to provide childcare before and after school. These programs will be available for elementary school students only.

Before-school care will be provided on the school’s campus if 12 or more students are enrolled in the program. If not, it will be available at an assigned YMCA branch, and transportation from the YMCA to the school will be provided. Parents can drop off their children as early as 6:30 a.m.

After-school childcare will be available on site at each elementary school, and will run from the time school lets out until 6 p.m. Students will take part in designated homework and activity times.

Before- and after-school childcare is $162 for YMCA members and $217 for nonmembers each month. For after-school care only, it is $127 for members and $182 for nonmembers. Before-school care only is $87 for members and $111 for nonmembers.

Scholarships are available for families with financial need. Anyone interested can bring proof of income to the YMCA and a discount can be determined through Open Doors.

For more information or to register your child, contact the YMCA’s Chief Operating Officer Amanda Hesse at ahesse@rowanymca.com or 704-279-1742.