The constraints of the problem seem to have been poorly specified: "...the algorithm would eventually propose — shifting school start times at some elementary

The constraints of the problem seem to have been poorly specified: "...the algorithm would eventually propose — shifting school start times at some elementary schools by as much as two hours. Even more. Hundreds of families were facing a 9:30 to 7:15 a.m. shift. And for many, that was intolerable. They’d have to make major changes to work schedules or even quit their jobs. And because their kids would have to go to bed so early, they’d miss out on valuable family time in the evening."