A Florida senator has filed legislation that would repeal the state’s requirements for later start times for high schools.
Senator Jennifer Bradley, R-Fleming Island, introduced the bill (SB 296) on Friday, seeking to undo the changes enacted in 2023 that mandate high schools start no earlier than 8:30 AM by July 1, 2026.
While the 2023 legislation aimed to improve student health and academic performance by ensuring high schoolers get more sleep, it has faced pushback from school districts across the state. Concerns center around logistical challenges, particularly with bus schedules, especially in rural districts.
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During a recent legislative delegation meeting, Okeechobee County Superintendent of Schools Dylan Tedders highlighted the difficulties of implementing the changes in his rural district. He expressed concerns about potential safety risks for elementary students waiting for buses in the dark and the impact on extracurricular activities and athletics for high school students.
The Small School District Council Consortium, representing smaller districts across Florida, has also called for flexibility or waivers for districts where the start time requirements pose significant challenges.
The 2023 law, based on research indicating that later start times benefit adolescent sleep patterns and academic performance, included a “three-year glide path” for implementation. However, with the 2026 deadline approaching, concerns about the feasibility and impact of the changes have prompted calls for reconsideration.
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Senator Bradley’s bill will be considered during the upcoming legislative session, which begins on March 4th. This proposal is likely to spark debate about the balance between student well-being and the logistical challenges faced by school districts in implementing later start times.
The outcome of this legislative effort could have significant implications for the daily schedules and routines of high school students across Florida.
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