Lee County public schools will shift to a three-tier start time system this fall as part of its Safe Start initiative, anticipating a statewide mandate set for 2026. Under the new schedule, high schools will start at 7 a.m., K-8 and select elementary schools at 7:30 a.m., remaining elementary schools at 8:40 a.m. and middle schools at 9:45 a.m. The changes aim to improve transportation efficiency and student safety, but have raised concerns among working parents. The district plans to monitor the rollout and adjust as needed, WINK News reports.