Parent urges MISD study on later start times, proposing pilot or committee

A parent asked the Montgomery ISD Board of Trustees on Sept. 6 to study later school start times for junior and senior high schools, proposing either a pilot program at one or two campuses or a volunteer committee to research feasibility.

Mike Dobbs, a parent of two Oak Hills students, told trustees current start times (classes beginning at 7:20 a.m. with first bus pickups as early as 5:45 a.m.) make it difficult for teenagers to reach the eight-to-nine hours of sleep recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. He said later start times are linked in studies to improved attendance, test scores and student wellbeing.

Dobbs suggested two options: a pilot during the 2026–27 school year on one or two campuses to compare outcomes, or a voluntary committee to study other districts’ experiences and advise the community before any vote.

"Starting school later would require some adjustments in the way that the families have organized their lives, but these challenges could be planned for and somewhat negated," Dobbs said.

The board did not take action on the request during the meeting; Dobbs presented it as a public comment to request study and community input.