High School starting later in the Morning

Just yesterday the news reported that due to budget issues local high schools may be going to a 9:30 start time. Years ago I watched an interesting special on some "boring" cable channel about a university study that showed that high schoolers need sleep like everyone, but that they are wired to go to sleep later--that is when the melatonin kicks in---and it doesn't kick off until about 8:00 in the morning. That is why every teacher will tell you that first period is a complete waste of time. Everyone is still really tired. The cycle continues throughout the day. What is so interesting to me is that when they have tried a later start time at high schools every aspect of the kids lives have improved. They get better grades, have less accidents, and remarkably their parents love having less temperamental teenagers. What we've always thought was just an "age" or "attitude" was really just sleep deprivation. I hope my county decides to go with this policy--even if it is to use less buses and save money. I think it will definitely be a win win for everyone.