Opening day enrollement of 10,647

Some 10,600 Oconee school age children bid farewell today to the summer recess and reported for a new year of learning. Today’s first day enrollment of 10,647 was 25 students higher than a year ago, but officials note the attendance figures will fluctuate in the coming days. Attracting adequate numbers of bus drivers continues to riddle the district. Today the shortage was 7-short in the Walhalla zone and buses there were forced to double routes. The district is actively trying to find drivers and will offer jobs with full benefits for 30 hours a week. Dr. Michael Thorsland, the district superintendent, visited several schools on the first day—including all schools in the West-Oak attendance area.