First school day is already here

The carefree days of summer will end for pupils Monday as they return to school for the first day of Columbia County's 2007-08 academic year.

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Superintendent Charles Nagle said 22,300 students are expected to start the school year in the county.

"We are growing by about 680 students a year," he said.

New students won't be the only addition to the school family this year. Nagle said the school system has hired 300 new employees, including 225 certified staff members and 70 first-year teachers.

Bus stops also might be crowded Monday as 12,000 to 14,000 children are expected to ride buses to school on about 170 routes.

Middle school hours are from 7:35 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. Evans, Greenbrier and Harlem high school classes will run from 7:40 a.m. to 2:45 p.m., and Lakeside High School hours are from 7:50 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. Elementary school pupils will report for class at 8:30 a.m., and their school day will end at 3:30 p.m.