Later High School Start Time Discussion Continues In Chatham

CHATHAM, NJ — A discussion about a possible switch to a later start time in Chatham High School continued at Monday’s Board of Education meeting.

School District of the Chathams’ Superintendent Michael LaSusa presented more information to board members and meeting attendees, explaining how adolescent students districtwide between grades 8 and 12 aren’t typically sleeping enough.

LaSusa said since his previous presentation on a possible later start time at December’s board meeting, he has followed up with some school administrators and leaders of both the Parent Teacher Organization and Teachers Association.

One of his proposals presented Monday was to change the start time at Chatham High School from 7:40 to 8:20 a.m. The day would end at 3 p.m. Within the school day, there would be two schedule adjustments to the school’s six periods. One would be to shave off two minutes from each period and the second, to shorten lunch by two minutes.

Another possibility would be to start all pre-K through grade 5 schools up to 20 minutes later, to lessen bussing issues.

Chatham Middle School’s schedule would also be refined, with classes rotated but meeting daily. A class drops once every eight days, under the school's current schedule, LaSusa said.

Chatham student surveys from grades 6 through 12 taken between 2016 and 2021, showed the number of hours of sleep they typically get continues to fall each year. Students in Grade 8 begin to get less sleep, which significantly drops as students reach grade 12, he said. The greater number of students surveyed are getting six hours or less of sleep, with 45 percent in the high school sleeping that amount.

Female students are getting fewer hours of sleep than Chatham's male students in that age group, LaSusa added.

The National Sleep Foundation and American Academy of Pediatrics advocate for a minimum of eight hours of sleep for their age groups, with many surveyed getting less than that, he said.

When high schools push back their start times, kids sleep more, LaSusa said. Studies across the country have shown that high schoolers go to bed at the same time and get up later, when school start times are later in the morning. Students that do get up at the same time, may take more time to eat breakfast or prepare themselves for their day ahead.

The lack of sleep may contribute to decreased memory, higher levels of depression or anxiety, lowered academic performance and a higher rate of absenteeism, LaSusa added. The pandemic has exacerbated some of these problems and the need to provide further support to students is even greater, he said. Being well-rested has better positive outcomes, LaSusa said, including higher attendance rates and grades. Studies have shown there are lower instances of depression, anxiety and car accidents.

LaSusa said he believes these changes could improve the experience for the more than 3,700 students districtwide.

During the discussion portion, Board President Jill Critchley Weber asked LaSusa when he would anticipate having more information for parents about next steps. He suggested that he should know more by the board’s March meeting.

Board Member Matthew Gilfillan asked if an analysis can be done to limit student stress, as another component of the change. He asked if high schoolers are elevating their stress with higher than necessary expectations and course loads to get into college. He said the board should seek feedback from colleges about entry requirements.

“It’s insane for what these kids put themselves under for unnecessary reasons,” he said. “It’s completely unfair what these kids need to do.”

LaSusa agreed with Gilfillan and said some district analyses have been performed already to determine if these are sources of student stressors.

Michelle Clark, another board member, said that kids should not be burdened with online busy work and need more valuable learning. She also suggested dismissal times need to be more specific for elementary levels, such as Lafayette School, with students needing adult supervision during pick up times.

LaSusa said he is working through time requirements with the Teachers' Association on the concerns of later start and ending times at the lower grade levels.

Board Member Susan Ross asked about the impact for student athletes, with a later school day especially more difficult as it gets darker earlier during winter months. LaSusa suggested there could be a system and adjustments made per season for student athletes.

He clarified a comment he made at the December meeting about being in public education for 25 years.

“I believe the greatest achievement of my career would be to push back the start time of our high school day, to reflect the physiology and biology of teenage kids, and what’s in their best interest and what’s best for them,” said LaSusa.

LaSusa said should he continue in education for an additional 25 years, he believes making this schedule change would continue to be his most monumental career achievement.

Watch LaSusa’s full presentation about school start times below:

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