LARGO, Fla. — Wednesday, members of the Pinellas County School Board met for their ‘Listen & Learn’ session.

One topic for discussion was the changes coming to school start times beginning in fall 2026.

What You Need To Know

  • Pinellas County Schools is asking for public feedback on school schedule changes coming in fall 2026

  • The changes are statewide under a new Florida state law, requiring all Florida schools to change their schedules beginning that school year

  • Under the law, middle schools cannot start before 8 a.m. and high schools before 8:30 a.m.

  • Pinellas is still taking feedback from parents, who can offer their suggestions online here

Under Florida state law, all Florida schools will have to change their schedules beginning that school year. Middle schools cannot start before 8 a.m. and high schools before 8:30 a.m.

During the session, parents were allowed to ask questions. One question pertained to school bus routes and transportation. Something the school board says they will have to take into consideration when making changes to school start times.

“We have our high schools first because those runs just start early in the morning and we’re able to complete that and then do our middle school and elementary schools," said Kevin Hendrick, Superintendent of Pinellas County Schools. "But if we put high school in the middle or last, that poses a big challenge and so we’re out asking the public how do we help solve those problems before we’re forced to do so in 2026.”

Hearing from parents, Hendrick says, is key to what the district will do. Hendrick says he anticipates to have a finalized plan by next fall.

In the meantime, Pinellas is still taking feedback and suggestions from parents.