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Using a new formula, the North Carolina High School Athletic Association will be changing the reclassification of one of Stanly’s high schools as well as realigning conferences for the 2021-22 academic year.

Previously, average daily membership numbers (ADMs) were used to determine classification, but the new formulas only uses ADMs as part of the overall score.

The score is generated in the new formula combining ADMs, the Identified Student Percentage (number of students on free or reduced lunch) and a school’s State Cup standings (the overall success of the school’s athletic department).

According to a release from the NCHSAA, North Stanly will go back to 2A after playing in 1A from 2013 through the current year. The Comets will be in a split 1A/2A conference with former Yadkin Valley Conference members Albemarle, Gray Stone Day and South Stanly along with a former YVC member, Union Academy.

A pair of 2A Cabarrus County schools, Mount Pleasant and Jay M. Robinson, will join the new conference along with a new charter school from Union County, Apprentice Academy.

West Stanly will also have some new opponents in a combined 2A/3A conference. The Colts, long time members of the Rocky River Conference, would be joined by current RRC members Anson and Forest Hills along with previous member Monroe and two 3A schools from Union, Central Academy and Parkwood.

Schools have until Jan. 8 to submit any concerns or adjustments to the first draft. A second draft will be issued and considered by schools with the process to be finalized by March.