UPDATE: Osceola County School District is urgently seeking parent feedback on potential changes to school start times to comply with new state law. With the recent passage of Senate Bill 296, which mandates that middle schools cannot start before 8:00 a.m. and high schools before 8:30 a.m., parents are invited to participate in a critical survey regarding these adjustments.
The district is considering four options for high school start times, ranging from maintaining the current schedule of 7:15 a.m. to pushing the start time as late as 9:30 a.m.. This significant shift could have a profound impact on thousands of students and their families.
Officials from the Osceola County School District are emphasizing the urgency of these changes, not only to meet legal requirements, but also due to the potential financial implications that could exceed $7 million. This includes costs related to transportation and staffing adjustments, which many parents are concerned about.
Parents are encouraged to provide their input swiftly, as the deadline for feedback is December 12. The district aims to conclude its review quickly to implement the necessary changes in time for the next school year. The outcomes of this feedback will directly influence the decision-making process.
In a statement, school officials noted, “We want to ensure that our parents’ voices are heard. Their feedback is invaluable as we navigate these changes.” The community’s engagement is crucial as the school district works to balance compliance with state law and the needs of students and families.
As the deadline approaches, parents are urged to participate in this survey, ensuring their opinions are counted in shaping the future of school start times in Osceola County. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.
