Buses will run, school bells will ring, and the 2012-13 school year will officially get under way Thursday morning at 7:45 a.m.
The new school year brings with it several changes including a new top official in Director of Schools Bobby Cox, a new school in Morrison, and a new principal at Centertown in Pam Cowan.
Cox replaces former director Dr. Jerry Hale, who had served in that capacity since 2000.
“We’ve done a lot of preparation this summer getting ready for the new year and it’s been pretty smooth to this point,” Cox said yesterday. “Hopefully that will continue Thursday when the kids go to school.”
Grand opening ceremonies were held last Thursday for the new school in Morrison. It’s located on Five Mile Road away from the traditional Morrison downtown district.
Cowan moves to the principal’s office at Centertown after 18 years in the classroom there. She said it will be tough to leave the classroom, but she’s ready to embrace a new challenge.
Former Centertown principal Autumn Turner has been promoted to the central office.
The Aug. 9 start of school is nearly one week earlier than last year’s Aug. 15 start date. Students and teachers won’t get their first break until Sept. 3 with the Labor Day holiday.