The RSU 13 School Board of Directors has voted to establish an Ad Hoc Committee to explore the possibility of adjusting school start times for the 2025-2026 academic year, with a focus on allowing more sleep for middle and high school students. This decision is based on the following rationale:

1. Scientific Research: Numerous studies have shown that adolescents naturally experience a shift in their sleep-wake cycles, making it difficult for them to fall asleep early and wake up early. Later school start times can lead to increased sleep duration for teenagers.

2. Health and Well-being: Adequate sleep is crucial for physical health, mental well-being, and cognitive function. By potentially allowing for more sleep, we aim to support our students' overall health and development.

3. Academic Performance: Research indicates that well-rested students demonstrate improved attention, memory, and problem-solving skills, which can lead to better academic outcomes.

4. Safety Considerations: Drowsy driving is a significant risk for teen drivers. Later start times may reduce the incidence of sleep-related accidents among our student drivers.

5. Alignment with Recommendations: Organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend later school start times for adolescents.

6. Community Input: The Ad Hoc Committee will allow for thorough exploration of the topic and provide opportunities for input from various stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and students.

7. Long-term Planning: By initiating this process for the 2025-2026 school year, we ensure ample time for research, community engagement, and logistical planning.

The Ad Hoc Committee will be tasked with:
- Reviewing current research on school start times and adolescent sleep patterns
- Assessing the potential impacts on transportation, extracurricular activities, and family schedules
- Engaging with the community to gather input and address concerns
- Developing recommendations for the Board's consideration

The RSU 13 School Board is committed to making informed decisions that prioritize the well-being and academic success of our students. We believe this exploration of school start times demonstrates our dedication to evidence-based practices and responsive governance.

The School Start Times Committee meets virtually on the 2nd Monday of the month at 4:30pm.

Meeting Agendas, Notes, etc:
September 9, 2024 - Status Report
September 9, 2024 - Agenda
July 29, 2024 - Agenda
June 10, 2024 - Notes
June 10, 2024 - Agenda

Meeting Videos:

Recording of September 9th meeting: Recording of July 29th meeting: Recording of June 10th meeting: