North Allegheny tables decision on later school start times

MCCANDLESS, Pa. — The North Allegheny School Board tabled a plan that would have delayed the start of high school classes.

The delayed start time is something parents really wanted.

"They themselves acknowledged that they are harming children's health by depriving them of sleep," parent Ken Behrend said. "They themselves know that. Yet they are pushing back the vote and may be delaying this another year."

The board listened to their thoughts Wednesday night, but then, in the final moments of the meeting, suggested tabling the issue and waiting until more research is completed.

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If they had voted yes and approved the measure, high school start time would move from 7:25 a.m. to 8 a.m.

Parents said the decision was simple and boiled down to safety and health for their kids.

They stressed that students need adequate sleep to thrive in the classroom.

"You need to take the right action and protect student health now," Behrend said.

District officials said they will now spend more time reviewing the plan.

"At this point, the district will go and conduct a communications study to see what exactly the cost associated with these changes might be," said Emily Schaffer, communications director.

The later start time was slated to begin during the 2019-2020 school year.

This issue is now tabled indefinitely.

Cox Media Group