More than 3,000 people have signed petitions against the decision. Many have concerns about childcare, student and parent work schedules and afterschool activities.

NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk elementary school students will be the earlier risers next year. The school board voted to swap elementary and high school start time, but parents are pushing back.



Elementary students will start school around 7:30 a.m. and high school students will start at 8:50 or 9 a.m.



Norfolk single mom Stephanie Brown said it'll be a tight squeeze when it comes to her kindergartner's bedtime.

"I won't have time to feed her,” Brown said. “I won't have time to do her homework with her. It's not going to be possible if she has to be in bed by 7:30 if a doctor's recommendation for a toddler is 10-12 hours of sleep."



Brown is one of more than 3,000 people to sign online petitions against the decision. Many have concerns about childcare, student and parent work schedules as well as afterschool activities.

Parent Kate Sharrow is behind one of the petitions.

"You are basically going to move forward and the people that are going to pay for the mistakes are the students and the families, and that is not fair,” Sharrow said.

Last week Norfolk’s Superintendent Dr. Sharon Brydsong and administration recommended the board take more time to make plans for this change. The board voted 5-2 to change start times this fall.

“I will support Dr. Byrdsong and her team to do whatever I can to make sure the transition is seamless,” said Norfolk School Board President Dr. Noelle Gabriel.

Dr. Gabriel agreed with the superintendent's recommendation to delay the time change last week. After the vote, she said she has to be on board.

"It is not just about getting it done, it is about getting it done right,” Dr. Gabriel said. “Here are a lot of students and families that are going to be affected by this change."

Gabriel is aware of the petitions and encourages parents to voice their concerns to the board.

"They can email us, they can call us,” Gabriel said. “They can come before the board."

Brown and Sharrow hope even more signatures might make a difference.

"It is going to anger a lot of families,” Brown said.