With the first day of classes for the new year just around the corner for students in the Gainesville and Hall County School Districts, we asked the Public Information Officers for each system – Gainesville’s Joy Griffin and Hall County’s Stan Lewis – a few basic questions heading into the new year.
GAINESVILLE
*First day of classes – Open House is Thursday and Friday 8/3 & 8/4. Students begin class on Tuesday, Aug. 8th.
*Any new schools, school facilities, additions/repairs, etc. – We will be opening the new 3-story academic building at GHS. Which completes the 5-year capital project that included the Advanced Studies Center, the Student Activities Center and a remodel of the gym and existing academic building.
*Anticipated enrollment this year compared to a year ago – We anticipate enrollment to be on par with last year.
*Teacher staffing. Fully or are in you need of more teachers, para-pros, substitutes, etc. – We have a few last-minute openings that we are looking to fill but are prepared to begin school with our current staff.
*Bus drivers. Still hiring? If there’s a shortage, how might it affect routes? – We are not experiencing a shortage but do have positions available.
HALL COUNTY
*First day of classes – August 4. Preplanning for teachers will be July 31 through august 3.
*Any new schools, school facilities, additions/repairs, etc. = Sandra Dungan Deal Elem near completion and will open in Fall of ’24. East Hall High School, West Hall High, Lyman Hall Elementary undergoing renovations and improvements.
*Anticipated enrollment this year compared to a year ago – Last year at 28,000. We will have a better understanding of the upcoming school year’s enrollment after a day or two of head counts.
*Teacher staffing. Fully or are in you need of more teachers, para-pros, substitutes, etc.? – We have added approximately 400 new classified and certified team members. They have been at New Employee Orientation since Wednesday. We have less than 20 positions to fill.
*Bus drivers. Still hiring? If there’s a shortage, how might it affect routes? We always need bus drivers.
Most other school systems in the area will be opening their doors for the new school year between now and next weekend. Two systems, Commerce City and Jefferson City, held their first day of classes a few days ago.
