Plans to move fourth graders to Sedalia Middle School next year have the Sedalia School District 200 exploring how to better arrange start times for all their buildings.

Discussion took place during Monday night’s school board meeting at Smith-Cotton High School. An initial proposal calls for high school students to start the day at 7:15 a.m. and end around 2:25 p.m., while the junior high would run from 7:55 a.m. until 3:15 p.m., the middle school from 8:20 a.m. to 3:55 p.m., and elementary schools from 8:35 a.m. until 4:10 p.m. Superintendent Dr Todd Fraley says the process is still in its early stages.

Fraley says more buses would be needed to lessen the gap in start times between buildings, which could carry a sizable cost.

A Smith-Cotton student, junior Bridger Belano, addressed the board with his concerns about the proposed earlier start time for the high school. Fraley said he appreciated Belano’s willingness to offer his thoughts.

No action was taken by the Sedalia School Board on the plan, with discussions expected to continue at the next meeting set for Dec. 16.