On July 12, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed into law HB 1505, a state budget package, which\u00a0included a provision\u00a0permitting\u00a0school districts\u00a0to redirect existing funding streams, to cover the costs of planning, implementing, or\u00a0operating\u00a0later start times. This flexible path to funding later school start times allows for district-driven solutions to address the cost of later school start time implementation.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis law is the product of years of persistent, coalition-driven advocacy, with physicians, parents, educators, and sleep scientists\u00a0working together\u00a0to sound\u00a0the alarm\u00a0on\u00a0early\u00a0school\u00a0start times.\u00a0While there is still\u00a0work to be\u00a0done\u00a0to\u00a0implement later\u00a0school\u00a0start times\u00a0across\u00a0the state,\u00a0this\u00a0law\u00a0gives districts the tools and\u00a0structure\u00a0to act,\u201d\u00a0said\u00a0Joanna\u00a0Fong-Isariyawongse, MD.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Adequate sleep is critical to students\u2019 health, academic achievement, and long-term well-being. Ensuring students have sufficient rest supports stronger immune systems, sharper focus, and more\u00a0equitable\u00a0learning outcomes.\u00a0Early school start times lead to chronic sleep restriction, negatively\u00a0impacting\u00a0physical and mental health, driving safety, and ability to learn.\u00a0The AASM\u2019s\u00a0position<\/a>\u00a0is that middle and\u00a0high\u00a0schools should start no earlier than 8:30am to allow for adequate sleep time.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Several AASM\u00a0members\u00a0heavily advocated for later school start times, and this funding legislation,\u00a0to improve the sleep health of students across the state.\u00a0The AASM also\u00a0submitted\u00a0letters of support and had a member-driven online campaign on the issue.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n