It is a concept that has been bantered for years by educators and health professionals: does the school day need to start at a later time?

At a recent Fredonia school board meeting, a petition made that request. “The American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes insufficient sleep in adolescents as an important public health issue and a factor that significantly affects the health and safety, as well as the academic success, of our students,” the document signed by about 40 residents stated.

Currently, the Fredonia middle and high schools start at 7:43 a.m. Some counter a later start time would impact sports events while others note students would still stay up too late.

School officials are open to the idea, but did not take a strong position either way. The topic definitely warrants further discussion.