Florida House Amends Bill on School Start Times, Keeps Mandate with Flexibility

The debate over school start times in Florida has taken a new twist. As discussions progressed in the Florida House subcommittee on Wednesday, a proposal to repeal a law mandating later start times for middle and high schools by 2026 was reshaped, sparking new discussions on the best approach.

Initially, the proposal in both legislative chambers aimed to discard the mandate, suggesting that school districts merely consider the benefits of delayed start times. However, Rep. Anne Gerwig, R-Wellington, presented an amendment that shifted the focus. Her proposal retained the mandate but provided a loophole for districts that could demonstrate an inability to comply.

Districts wishing to bypass the mandate would need to submit a report outlining their efforts to explore various strategies and any unintended impacts of implementing later start times. This approach aims to uphold the research supporting student sleep needs while accommodating logistical challenges faced by certain schools.

Financial concerns, such as the need for additional buses and drivers, and safety issues related to elementary students waiting for buses early in the morning, were among the reasons cited for potential exemptions.

The revised bill garnered significant support from lawmakers and the public, who favored granting local schools more flexibility. Chris Doolin, a lobbyist representing 36 small districts, highlighted the importance of the bill, stating, “This is a very important bill because it recognizes a glide path that allows districts to go in and look at what they need to do.”

Numerous stakeholders, including representatives from school districts, unions, and associations for school boards and parents, expressed their approval. Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis, D-Ocoee, emphasized the need to heed expert advice, acknowledging previous warnings about the financial and logistical challenges associated with the start time shift.

Rep. Jeff Holcomb, R-Spring Hill, echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the scientific rationale behind the mandate while pointing out the practical difficulties in implementation. “We all understand the science, and the science makes sense, but this is a logistical nightmare,” Holcomb explained. “We’re listening to our school boards. We’re listening to our parents.”

Despite the strong backing, the future of the bill remains uncertain as both chambers must reconcile their differences to address these concerns effectively. “I look forward to improving this bill, to make it more like the Senate’s,” Holcomb remarked.