During the GMSB meeting on 2/23/15, the Board voted 3-2 against later school start times. The primary reason cited was needing funds for other projects. However, the budget plan that was approved included over $200,000 to move Dogwood school to an EARLIER start time, which to my knowledge had few advocates. Many Germantown parents and their children spoke passionately about the need for later start times. A equally large group, apparently consisting mostly of teachers, advocated for early start times, but their statements revealed their motives of convenience and teacher funding as taking priority over our children's health and well being. GMSB President Lisa Parker stated in a loud voice that "everyone is against Germantown schools, everyone wants Germantown schools to fail, and I am not going to let that happen." She made these statements knowing that the new budget included over $2 million dollars in new spending, and over $1 million dollars in surplus from the present year's budget. Next, she stated that she believes the scientific research that early school start times are harmful to children. However, she then proceeded to read one study's findings which minimized the harmful effects of early school start times. Board member Ken Hoover corrected her misleading error appropriately, stating that the study she was reading from began with start times at 8am and moved them later, which of course would minimize any effects. Those of us present found the proceedings very disappointing, especially Board members Lisa Parker, Natalie Williams, & Linda Fisher "No" votes to consider an ammendment by Board member Ken Hoover to find approximately $100,000 in budget savings so later start times could be funded. Board member Mark Dely spoke passionately as a parent about the need to act on later school start times now for the benefit of our children. Particularly frustrating was the repeated comments by Board members Parker, Williams, and Fisher that they care about our children's welfare, which was then followed by their swift "No" votes and lack of interest in finding a creative budget solution as offered by Board member Ken Hoover. Board member Lisa Parker made many factually inaccurate and inconsistent statements, particularly troubling given her position as GMSB president. She stridently stated that she is comfortable in her convictions, and that if someone wanted her job, she would be gone in three years. Moreover, her past statements suggest she does not intend to fund later start times until the Durham bus contract expires in THREE years. I intend to make a motion that school board members MUST have a school age child, which ensures that they know intimately what children are going through. Don't give up hope. While we make be taking a break from daily activities, we will resume our fight to make school start times later. In the meantime, be sure to sign up with your email on www.germantowncares.com so we can keep you informed. Paul Leonard, Ph.D.