URGENT UPDATE: Osceola County School District is calling for immediate parent feedback on potential changes to school start times, following the enactment of Senate Bill 296. This new state law mandates that middle schools cannot start before 8:00 a.m. and high schools must begin no earlier than 8:30 a.m.. Parents must act quickly, as feedback is due by December 12.
The school district is considering four options for adjusting start times, which range from maintaining the current schedule of 7:15 a.m. for high schools to shifting the start time as late as 9:30 a.m.. These changes are crucial for compliance with the law, which aims to improve student health and well-being.
However, officials warn that implementing these changes could incur significant costs, potentially exceeding $7 million. The district is actively communicating with parents and encouraging them to complete surveys regarding their preferences, emphasizing the urgency of their input.
As the deadline approaches, school officials are seeking to finalize decisions that could impact thousands of students and families in the Osceola County area. The community’s voice is essential in shaping a schedule that adheres to the new legal requirements while balancing logistical challenges.
For more information and to participate in the survey, parents are urged to visit the Osceola County School District’s website. Stay tuned for updates as this situation develops, and make your voice heard before it’s too late!
