UPDATE: The Osceola County School District is urgently seeking parent feedback on potential adjustments to school start times in response to Senate Bill 296, which mandates new times for middle and high schools. Parents are encouraged to share their opinions by December 12, 2023, as the district faces significant changes that could impact students and families across the county.
According to WFTV, the new law requires middle schools to begin no earlier than 8 a.m. and high schools no earlier than 8:30 a.m.. The district is considering four different options, including maintaining the current schedule with high schools starting at 7:15 a.m. or delaying start times to as late as 9:30 a.m..
The decision holds critical importance, not only for student health and well-being but also for the district’s finances, which could see a strain of over $7 million to implement these changes. School officials are reaching out to parents via surveys to gather their preferences and concerns, emphasizing the urgency of compliance with the state law.
Parents are urged to respond quickly, as the district plans to review all feedback and finalize their decision shortly after the deadline. With the clock ticking, the Osceola County School District highlights the need for community engagement in determining the best path forward for school operations.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, and make sure to share your thoughts before the deadline to influence the future of school start times in Osceola County.
