Brunswick County schools to operate on staggered schedule

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Brunswick County schools responded quickly to the community’s concerns regarding school safety following the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary. Now leaders are starting to feel the pinch in their pockets.

School officials placed resource officers in every elementary school and are continuing to upgrade security systems including additional cameras and electronic door locks in schools. These expenses were not a part of conversations during last year’s budget talks, but they are now.

With the budgetary needs, the Brunswick County Board of Education has decided to operate on a staggered bell schedule starting in the next school year.

The staggered start schedule will put more than $1 million back into the school system.

While the decision has been made, it isn’t clear yet which schools will start early and which schools will start late.