Parents of students in Harrisonburg City Public Schools overwhelmingly spoke against the school board’s proposed changes to school start times during a public hearing last night.

Concerns included a lack of time for extracurriculars, before-and-after school care for young students, and how diverse cultures have different home schedules.

Among those not in favor was City Council Member Chris Jones, who said that as a parent of four and as someone with a nontraditional, commission-based job, family time is already hard to come by.

Superintendent Dr. Michael Richards said they are extending the availability of a survey about the matter on the school division’s website.