During a recent government meeting, public comments highlighted pressing concerns regarding mental health and the school schedule's impact on children. The session began with a reminder of the forum's purpose: to allow community members to voice issues that have not been resolved by administrative staff. The board listened attentively but did not engage in direct responses, opting instead to direct the superintendent to address concerns within two weeks.

Patricia Milley, a prominent speaker, passionately advocated for a reevaluation of school hours, arguing that the current schedule is detrimental to children's health. She emphasized the importance of adequate sleep for children, suggesting that the school day should be shortened by an hour to allow for better rest. Milley pointed out that many children are waking up to alarms, which she believes is a sign of insufficient sleep. She shared alarming statistics about rising suicide rates among children in Horry County, attributing this crisis to the stress caused by long school days and heavy workloads.

Milley criticized the current educational structure, claiming it produces not only mentally ill children but also contributes to issues such as drug addiction and behavioral problems. She called for increased recess time, a reduction in homework, and a more manageable curriculum to foster healthier, happier children. Her remarks underscored a growing concern among parents and community members about the mental well-being of students and the need for systemic changes in the education system.

The meeting continued with additional speakers, including John Moore, who also aimed to address the board on related issues. The discussions reflect a community increasingly aware of the challenges facing children in the educational system and a desire for reform to prioritize their mental health and overall well-being.