Battle of the bells continues

Parents who don't like the later school day that debuted this year will take their case to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board tonight.

Families from middle schools with a 9:15 a.m.  to 4:15 p.m.  schedule have formed a Bell Schedule Committee and surveyed faculty,  parents and students at 10 schools.  A majority of all groups opposed the later day,  saying it interferes with extracurricular activities and homework.  They also said students are tired,  unproductive and badly behaved after 3 p.m.

The group plans to present a detailed PowerPoint during the board's public comment period.  They hope to persuade the board that the ideal school day runs from 8 to 3.

The later schedule was introduced to save money by letting buses make an extra run after picking up or dropping off students from schools with earlier schedules.  CMS spokeswoman Tahira Stalberte said Monday evening that interim Superintendent Hugh Hattabaugh is reviewing bell schedules,  but she had no details about what he's considering and when he'll bring a plan to the school board.  She said she doesn't know if Hattabaugh will announce next year's bell schedule before the magnet application period closes Feb. 13.