Student urges Watchung Hills board to delay high school start times, citing sleep research

Chloe Chan, a junior at Watchung Hills Regional High School, told the board at the meeting’s public comment period that students and parents are asking the district to shift the high school day later by 30 minutes to an hour to align with adolescent sleep research. “I’m speaking today to respectfully advocate for new policies that would shift this high school's public school start time later by 30 minutes to an hour,” she said, and added that more than 100 parents and students have signed a related petition.

Chan cited classroom study and professional guidelines, saying “the American Academy of Pediatrics states that chronic sleep loss in children and adolescents is associated with increased risk of obesity, diabetes, injuries, poor mental health, and attention and behavior problems.” She also referenced research suggesting schools with later start times report improved sleep and reduced depressive symptoms. The students said they plan to present the issue to state legislators and asked the board to consider local action.

The board thanked the students and asked them to submit written material so it could be shared with members and with sending districts. The superintendent offered to accept the students’ materials for distribution to the board and the K–8 districts involved in regional articulation. A parent who spoke in support acknowledged the health rationale but noted logistical hurdles for a regional high school: “Logistically, it might be more difficult than it is for Bridgewater,” the parent said, citing coordinated bus schedules across sending districts.

The chair explained the district operates a three-tier busing schedule and said moving the high school start time would require coordination with multiple K–8 districts or additional buses, which could increase costs. No formal board action was taken at the meeting; board members said the issue would be shared with partner districts for further discussion.