The Hendry County School District held a meeting on April 30, 2025, to discuss significant changes to school start times and their implications for students, parents, and the community. The meeting highlighted the need to adapt to new state regulations while considering the logistical challenges faced by families.

One of the primary topics was the Florida law mandating that middle schools cannot start earlier than 8:00 AM and high schools no earlier than 8:30 AM beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. This change will require elementary schools to shift their start times to around 7:15 AM. The district acknowledged that this adjustment could create challenges, particularly for high school students involved in extracurricular activities and part-time jobs.

To address these challenges, the district is considering staggering school start times to improve transportation efficiency. Currently, all elementary schools begin at the same time, which complicates bus schedules. The proposed changes aim to better accommodate the needs of students and families while complying with state requirements.

The district emphasized the importance of community feedback on these proposed changes. They are seeking input from parents and community members to understand whether they prefer to maintain the current start times or transition to the new schedule mandated by the state.

In conclusion, the Hendry County School District is navigating significant changes to school start times in response to state legislation. The district is committed to engaging with the community to ensure that the new schedule meets the needs of all stakeholders involved.