More than 10,500 students were back in school today, the first day of the 2022-2023 school year.

Superintendent Dr. Don Phipps began his day by boarding a yellow school bus before dawn. He greeted students as they climbed aboard one of the 110 yellow school buses transporting approximately 4,500 students to and from school this school year.

“I enjoy welcoming students back to school and showing my support to every employee in the school system, beginning with our school bus drivers who see students first thing in the morning and then drive them home safely at the end of the school day,” said Phipps. “Everything went smoothly, and we’re off to a great start!”

The district reminded motorists, parent drivers and student drivers to exercise extreme safety and caution near yellow school buses and bus stops. More than 1.1 million miles will be logged this school year by the yellow bus fleet, and there are many bus stops along the way.