School leaders in Williamson County took a look at the possibility of pushing back school starting times with dozens of concerned parents waiting to hear their thoughts.

It's a debate that's been getting a lot more attention in recent years: are high school kids starting classes each day too early?

Most high schools in Williamson County start at 7:30 a.m., but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends schools start at 8:30 a.m. at the earliest, because teens sleep patterns naturally get later as they enter high school.

Yet, district leaders said later start times would come with some consequences.

“We'll have to be especially cognizant of homework time, because there will be fewer hours in the evening for that activity, and if they get up early in the morning to do the homework, they've kind of defeated the purpose,” said Tim Gaddis with Williamson County Schools.

Williamson County School officials planned to host two more presentations on later high school start times, the next was set for Tuesday, September 13 at Centennial High School, and then Tuesday, September 20 at Fairview High School.

