The Bryan County Board of Education discussed staggering school start times during a forum Monday at Carver Elementary.

The issue was recently brought to the table by board member Charlie Johnson. School transportation director Allen Cox said he has collected data and surrounding county systems already stagger their times.

Cox said discipline problems are coming from the bus room since some students have to wait nearly an hour for a bus to take them home.

The latest bus to return to the shop returns at 4:35 p.m, "barring any unforeseen break downs, mechanical or traffic trouble," he said, noting the staggered times would also help Richmond Hill school area traffic.

Associate Superintendent Brad Anderson said to make a significant impact on traffic, the time between school starts would have to be one hour, versus 30 or 45 minutes between start time. He said that could cause problems with middle school sports, which must be over by 7 p.m.

But changing schedules could negatively impact bus drivers, many of whom work two jobs, Cox said.

School board Chairman Eddie Warren said an online survey has drawn only 460 responses. He encouraged more people to log on and voice their opinion at www.bryan.k12.ga.us.

"It’s not an easy decision," Warren said. "No matter what we do, we’re going to make someone mad. We’re trying to get as much information as we can before making the decision."