Students in California will soon experience an opportunity to get more sleep. A new state law will be coming into play when all high schools will begin no earlier than 8:30 a.m. All middle schools will begin no later than 8 a.m.

Bob Nelson, Fresno Unified Superintendent said, “For us, our middle schools are currently in alignment with that structure. They will require some changes on behalf of our high schools. We’re hoping to work with the Governor on how we go about managing our transportation issues to make sure our kids still have safe and appropriate opportunities to get to school on time.

This law will include charter schools but not to rural school districts. The Merced Union High School District wants to look for a way of getting the rural district exempted. If it does not get approved then changes need to be made. Sam Yniguez, Merced Union High School District Director of Communications said, “It will require a shift in some of our practices as far as transportation of students, before and after school programs, collective bargaining with staff, I know that’s going to be an issue.”

Many studies have came to a conclusion that delayed school start times have lead to better overall health and school performance. Michelle Butticci, a mom of two current high school students and an eighth grader. She was telling reporters that they seem more rested and prepared on the one day a week they start school 30 minutes later. She is concerned about the impact it will have on the parents.

Butticci said, I can see where it would be a hardship for the working parents who now have to figure out what to do with their children before heading off to work.” School districts are aware of this situation with the parents and are trying to find new options for students who are dropped off before classes begin.

The delayed start times will be effective July 1, 2022 or a date when a district’s collective bargaining agreement for 2020 expires. The districts will need time to make all the necessary changes. This law would be very effective for some students, but not for all students. They should make the rule a decision for the students. Some students would prefer to start early to get out early. The other students would start later but would be getting out of school later. Students will have to make a decision that benefits them and their parents also. For most parents, they drop off their kids on the way to work unless they have a stay at home parent who takes care of them. Students will have to sacrifice their sleep or staying later in school. I agree that the more sleep a student gets the better they perform in school. It does not just affect their school performance, but if they play a sport it could make them perform better. With this new schedule coming into play it could be very hectic.