Bill To Study Later NJ School Start Times Goes To Gov. Christie
TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A bill heading to Gov. Chris Christie's desk to sign into law would examine whether or not it's a good idea for New Jersey middle and high school students to start school later in the day.
The Assembly passed the measure on Thursday after the Senate passed it in December.
The legislation requires the state to submit a report to lawmakers and the governor including a recommendation on whether New Jersey should pursue a pilot program to test later start times at some schools, WCBS 880's Levon Putney reports.
Bill To Study Later NJ School Start Times Goes To Gov. Christie
"Pemberton in Southern New Jersey had actually moved their schedule and because of the concerns that were raised, they moved the schedule back to what it had been before," said New Jersey School Administrators Association Executive Director Dr. Richard Bozza.
He said concerns include parents' work schedules, busing schedules and afternoon activities and sports.
The state wants to study this after the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended later school times to help kids get more sleep.
Assemblywoman Mila Jasey says many students are not getting enough sleep, which can affect their grades.
She says resetting the school day would not be easy but this bill is a first step.
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