Lots of students don’t get enough sleep. In October 2019 California’s Governor Gavin Newsom proposed the idea of starting school later. The state legislature approved the bill. The state of California has until July 2022 to apply the late starts to all middle and high schools.

Sleep seems to be the key reason that Governor Newsom decided to propose the idea of a later start to school days. Sleep is a very crucial part of our lives. 

“Teens need about 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night to function best,” states an article by SleepFoundation.org

 In the same study it shows that only 15% of teens actually meet the required amount of sleep every night. That’s an issue because it can affect them drastically, not just in school, but in their day to day lives. 

“(Lack of sleep can) limit your ability to learn, listen, concentrate and solve problems. You may even forget important information like names, numbers, and upcoming tests or exams,” states an article by SleepFoundation.org.

Sleep is a key reason that caused Governor Newsom to propose the idea of late start time to school, and it’s a safety precaution that can benefit schools and families. But how does it affect the school boards?

A Senate Appropriations Committee analysis of AB 328 estimated that implementation of the law could put schools on the hook in the millions of dollars. However, advocates expressed optimism that later start times would increase attendance, in turn countering the financial impact with more attendance-based state funding for schools.

“Legislators did not account for the work it would take for school districts at the ground level to make the logistical switch,” stated an article by CaliMatters.org.

Since California proposed the bill in October 2019, Ohio and Virgin Islands have also considered implementing late school starts.