TOCCOA, Ga. — At Tuesday's Stephens County Board of Education meeting, the board will tackle a complicated issue that could ultimately change school start times and reduce the number of bus drivers employed by the system.

At a work session, Dannie Reed, a transportation consultant, reported on ways to reduce the number of buses and drivers as a way to save money.

"It came back down to ‘Could you be more efficient with staff, equipment, and budget dollars?’ and the answer was ‘Yes,’" Reed said. "The recommendation has been put forth. The board will have to make that decision about what they want to do."

Reed presented several options designed to reduce the number of buses and drivers required, for an estimated annual savings of $2.25 million.

The option that seemed to have the most support called for elementary schools to start at 7:45 a.m. and end at 2:45 p.m. Middle school would start at 8:25 a.m. and end at 3:25 p.m., while the high school would begin at 8:50 a.m. and end at 3:50 p.m.

Such a schedule would only require 28 buses, which would reduce the number of drivers needed to 38. Currently, the school system employs 61 bus drivers.

Reed cites several factors that guided his recommendations including research that shows high school students learn better with later start times. In addition, he told board members he strongly suggests middle school and high school students not ride the same buses. The transportation options allow for that change.

Board members agreed to look over Reed’s recommendation and make a final decision on any change to the transportation system at the Tuesday board meeting. That meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. and is at the Stephens County Schools’ administration office on Mize Road.