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School start times may not change after all

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School start times may not change after all

By Jay Waagmeester
School start times may not change after all
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Students walk to buses at Morse High School/Bath Regional Career and Technical Center in Bath, Maine. Maine is one of many states that have not adopted later start times for high schools, despite overwhelming scientific evidence that it’s better for students, due to complications such as the cost of new bus schedules. (Photo by Elaine S. Povich/Stateline)

Two years ago, lawmakers and Gov. Ron DeSantis put the power of the school bell into the state’s hands. Since then, feedback from schools and parents has prompted Sen. Jennifer Bradley to seek to hand that power back to local leaders. 

Lawmakers in 2023 passed a law prohibiting middle schools from starting instruction before 8 a.m. and high schools before 8:30 a.m., although compliance is not expected until 2026. 

Hit the snooze button: States debate later high school start times

Several states have discussed later start times following studies that show reduced juvenile crime, healthier students, better grades, and better sports performance when students get more sleep.

Last week, Bradley, who voted in favor of the 2023 measure, introduced SB 296, which would rescind the state’s say in what time schools start. (The state mandates the dates a school year can start but, until now, school boards have held the power to decide what time a school day starts and ends.)

Bradley, a Republican representing Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Gilchrist, Union, and part of Alachua counties, told the Phoenix in a phone interview that at delegation meetings, “the message was clear from the school districts that there is great concern, not only from the district but from families, about the impact that a big change could have throughout the communities.”

“I think the intent of the bill was laudable,” Bradley said. “I think that it started an important discussion about the need for sleep and what time school should begin and whether there’s a better way to do it.

“But it’s increasingly clear, and I know there was a lot of concern at the time, and I thought, ‘Well, we’ll see how it plays out and maybe the transition will be easier than I imagine it might be.’ What’s proven to be the case is that it’s a very costly and disruptive mandate on 67 counties.”

School start times may not change after all
State Sen. Jennifer Bradley. (Photo via Florida Senate)

She encouraged schools to start the school day later if they see that as the best option, and said she is glad the 2023 law prompted discussion.

A new schedule could require a district to purchase extra buses, hire more bus drivers, or change sports schedules in a costly way, Bradley said. For parents, it could include paying more for childcare, adjusting parents’ or students’ work schedules, or leaving students waiting for buses in the dark, early hours of the morning. 

“Those are issues that all need to be vetted at the local level,” Bradley said.

“It really is a change to the rhythm of a community that I think has demonstrated that it could be costly for both the school and for parents,” Bradley said. 

The Broward County School District sought an exemption to the law in 2023.

The 2023 measure passed the House 92-20 before passing the Senate 38-2.

Support

Delaying enactment until years after passage gave time to plan and gather feedback, Bradley said. 

“Folks recognize that there was a three-year glide path, and I think people realized that there was going to be more time to really consider how disruptive the mandate would be on local school districts, and I know that I have colleagues through the state that are hearing this from their school districts as well.”

She said the concerns are not just from rural areas — that she’s heard from people in Orange County and the Miami area about concerns a new start time could bring. 

The Legislature is scheduled to gavel into its regular session on March 4. 

Florida Education Association President Andrew Spar responded to the proposed bill with a call for local decisions, and reiterated the associations priorities for the session, increased per-pupil spending and increased teacher pay.

“Decisions about how public schools operate are best made by parents, teachers, staff, administrators, and local communities,” Spar said in an email response to the Phoenix.

“When we work together, we can ensure that our students have the best outcomes and a world-class education. The Florida Education Association will continue to work with pro-public education leaders to advocate for long-term, sustainable solutions. We urge lawmakers to focus on meaningful financial investments in our public schools like increasing per-pupil spending by $1,000, raising average teacher salaries to the top ten nationally instead of #50, and ensuring every school is a safe and healthy learning environment. We support proposals that prioritize student learning and empower educators to do what they do best: teach.”

This story was updated Wednesday to include Spar’s comments.