The Stanly County School Board again discussed staggered school start times during its monthly meeting Tuesday evening.

Scott Denton, the consultant hired to maximize the school system’s transportation efficiency, presented a new proposed school schedule based on comments made from the board after a March 20 special meeting.

In the new proposed school schedule, high schools would run from 7:20 a.m. until 2:35 p.m., middle schools would run either 7:15 a.m. until 2:20 p.m. or 7:25 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. and four elementary schools would run from 7:15 a.m. until 2:10 p.m., while six elementary schools would run from 8:30 a.m. until 3:25 p.m.

SCS Superintendent Dr. Jeff James said he spoke recently with several local superintendents whose school districts have enacted staggered start times. While it’s not an easy process, the superintendents agreed the staggered start times were necessary and worked.

The school board will meet again at 6 p.m. Monday, during which the East Albemarle and Central Elementary school principals will present their findings regarding the proposed tiered school plan followed by a final public hearing about staggered school start times. The board plans to vote on a final option during the meeting.