School District of Philadelphia exploring changes to bell schedule, superintendent says Published School District of Philadelphia exploring changes to bell schedule, superintendent says School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Dr. William Hite said the district is considering tweaks to the school start times. PHILADELPHIA - The School District of Philadelphia on Thursday said it is exploring adjustments to next year's bell schedule that would narrow start times across the district and help improve bus routes to and from school. During his weekly briefing with the press, Superintendent Dr. William Hite said the district has over 20 different start times for students. The district is considering a proposal that would make the school day begin at either 7:30 a.m., 8:15 a.m., or 9 a.m.