Last chance to weigh in on school start times in Polk County

DAVENPORT, Fla. (WFLA) — In 2026, students across the state will adjust to new school start times.

Polk County school leaders are being proactive and inviting the community to a series of town hall meetings to better understand what problems could arise.

Below are issues that surfaced during previous town hall meetings.

“There are not enough before and after care facilities in Polk County to handle the potential influx,” one concerned parent said.

“You got a lot of single parents that might not be able to afford before and after care,” another concerned parent said.

Monday is the last chance for Polk County residents to give their input at the final town hall meeting. It’s at Tom Fellows Community Center in Davenport at 6 p.m.

Once the new law is enacted, middle schoolers will start school after 8 a.m. and high schoolers have to begin after 8:30 a.m.

The change comes as state leaders aim to get kids more sleep, which a psychotherapist News Channel 8 spoke with said could lead to better mental health.

“We know that there’s a strong correlation between sleep and depression,” Jennifer Tomko said. “For every hour less than what a child needs, there’s a 38% increase in the chances of depression or sad thoughts.”

Although the new law doesn’t give guidelines for elementary school start times, Polk County school leaders said all grades will likely be impacted.

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