West Chester Schools Considering Later Start Time

WEST CHESTER, PA — High school and middle school students in West Chester could get some more sleep as officials in the West Chester School District consider later starting times.

The news comes as several schools around the area, such as Phoenixville, have approved similar measures.

In a letter sent home to parents this week, Superintendent Jim Scanlon informed the school community that the district was considering the move.

"Major medical organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics have called for schools to make this shift," Scanlon wrote. "Research shows we have a nation of sleep-deprived teenagers because they simply are not biologically programmed to go to bed early enough to get adequate sleep for early school start times."

Scanlon called the process "complex." Potential issues, such as those that other districts have faced, include organizing bus schedules and ensuring parents who drop students off are able to get to work.

A presentation will be held for the public on Monday, April 29 at 6:30 p.m. at West Chester East. At the end of the presentation, there will be an email address shared through which the public can submit questions and feedback as the process moves forward.

Scanlon added at the goal was to have a final report with recommendations made to the school board by March 2020.