SUPERINTENDENT VISITS SCHOOLS ON THE FIRST DAY OF CLASSES

By Jon Mayhew
Publisher



LINCOLNTON -- When first bells rang in schools across Lincoln County Monday morning, the Lincoln County School system welcomed more than 11,600 students to the first day of school.

According to special projects coordinator Balinda Branson, 113 busses traveled over 6,000 miles.

"Six thousand students traveled to and from school on busses for their first day of classes," said Branson.

And while students were eagerly sitting behind their desks, one school official wasn't behind his desk.

Instead, superintendent Dr. J. David Martin was out in the schools, watching students, teachers and administrators on their first day of classes.

"As I visited schools and classrooms on the first day, I observed a level of excitement by students and staff. This excitement was transformed into establishing routines which indicates teachers and students will work together during the school year," said Martin. "Many remarked that it was a smooth first day and similar to any day last year. This is a compliment to staff who worked countless hours to ensure that students had a successful first day."

School officials had anticipated more than 12,000 students the first day of school; however, enrollment is expected to pick up after Labor Day.

Among the changes on the first day were some bus routes. Martin said it's one of the many ways school administration is looking to strecth the energy dollar without comprimising the quality of education or student safety.

"It's not a flawless process," cautioned Martin, adding members of school administration will work to balance the number of students riding certain busses over the next several weeks. "All I ask is that everyone be patient."