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Polk County’s District Advisory Council, a volunteer-based group, is hosting an Education Town Hall series to share information on a new state law that will change start times for schools.
Each town hall will feature a panel of experts in education and school operations to answer questions and collect feedback from the public. Light refreshments will be available.
The town halls will be held from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at dates and locations throughout Polk County (see complete schedule below).
Polk County Public Schools wants all stakeholders to share their insights and help prepare for an impending shift in school start times.
By July 1, 2026, school districts must start middle school classes after 8 a.m., and high school classes at 8:30 a.m. or later.
This state-mandated change in school start times was recently passed by the Florida legislature. All school districts must adjust their schedules to comply with the law. House Bill 733 — Middle School and High School Start Times
The new school start times will not go into effect until the 2026-27 school year.
However, many preparations must still be made for a smooth transition. For instance, the shift in middle and high school start times will likely impact elementary school hours too.
Please join us and share your thoughts.
Education Town Hall Schedule
Monday, March 25 – Jim Miles Professional Development Center, 4270 Wallace Rd, Lakeland
Thursday, March 28 – Stuart Center, 1702 S. Holland Parkway, Bartow
Monday, April 1 – Dream Center of Lakeland, 635 W 5th St., Lakeland
Monday, April 8 – AdventHealth Fieldhouse, 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven
Monday, April 22 – Tom Fellows Community Center, 207 North Boulevard West, Davenport