SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Does your teenager have a hard time getting up to go to school every morning? State lawmakers could pass a plan this spring to change the high school start time to 8:45 a.m.
Student advocates from Libertyville High School spoke before the Illinois House Education Committee on March 5, 2025.
Advocates told the House Education Policy Committee Wednesday that students can sleep for eight hours, succeed in classes, and experience better mental health. Libertyville High School changed the start time to 8:45 a.m. in 2018, and students have seen significant improvements.
"Even just an extra half hour of sleep has astounding benefits," said student advocate Addison Krupinski. "By pushing back start times to 8:45 a.m. or later, you're not only advocating for the essential sleep adolescents need in order to lead health lives. You're also prioritizing the safety of your own community."
California and Florida have implemented similar laws to improve outcomes for high school students.
However, the Illinois Principals Association opposes the idea. Government and Public Relations Director Alison Maley said a one-size-fits-all approach may not be feasible.
"This is a different challenge for unit districts than it might be for high school districts versus elementary school districts," Maley said. "They might have their own busing schedule that is separate from the high school district. That's certainly a concern. We also have concerns about the amount of time it takes to complete graduation requirements for high schoolers in particular."
The House Education Policy Committee could vote on the proposal before the committee deadline March 21.
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