By GARETT VALCOURT
Holmes District Schools will maintain their current school start times for the 2026–27 academic year, according to a clarification issued by Superintendent Buddy L. Brown following recent community discussion surrounding a districtwide survey.
The survey, which sought public input on potential changes to school schedules, prompted questions among parents and staff about whether adjustments were being considered. Brown emphasized that no such changes are planned and said the survey was conducted to comply with state requirements.
“In 2023, the Florida Legislature passed legislation that would have required all public and public-affiliated charter schools to establish school starting times for middle and high school students to no earlier than 8:00 and 8:30 AM, respectively,” Brown stated in his release. He added that the measure, codified as F.S. 1001.42(4)(f)2, was passed “with strong objection by all school districts in the state of Florida and without any consultation with those districts.”
Following concerns raised statewide, lawmakers revisited the issue. “After two years of negotiations and data that showed this law would have an adverse economic effect on districts, and in many cases parents, Senate Bill 296 was introduced and passed in both houses and signed into law by Governor Desantis in the late spring of 2025,” Brown said.
The updated law established a pathway for districts to seek flexibility through a waiver process. “This bill did not delete the previously passed F.S. 1001.42(4)(f)2 but provided for a waiver method for that statute and state board rules established around it,” Brown explained, noting that “the final state board rule and waiver method were finalized in March of 2026.”
Holmes District Schools, along with neighboring districts, are currently working through that waiver process. Brown reiterated that the district intends to continue operating under its longstanding schedule.
“Holmes District Schools will maintain the traditional start times that have been in effect for several years,” he said. “By law we are required to conduct or gather input from the public as to their desire for school start times and that is the purpose of our survey.”
Brown also acknowledged community response to the survey, stating, “Through social media there seems to be an overwhelming desire to keep our traditional start times. Holmes District Schools are in full agreement with this.”
He concluded with a clear assurance to families and staff: “There are no plans to change school starting times for the 2026-27 school year. We are simply trying to follow the statutory requirements of the law.”District officials encourage stakeholders to continue participating in the survey process as part of the state-mandated input requirements, even as the district moves forward with maintaining its current schedule.
Staff Report 
AMBER PATINO 