Classes start Monday for approximately 9,600 students and 600 teachers in Bryan County’s 10 public schools, In case you’re keeping count, that's an increase of nearly 2,100 students since Bryan County Schools Superintendent Dr. Paul Brooksher was hired to lead the system in 2012, he said in a message to parents and students.

At the same time, the system has grown from having 900 employees to 1,300.

Wow.

Some more back to school things to keep in mind:

• New 9 a.m. start times for schools such as Richmond Hill Primary, Richmond Hill Elementary and Carver Elementary. Those schools let out at 4 p.m.

The later start time could help alleviate some of the early morning traffic issues on Highway 144 in Richmond Hill.

As always, school officials ask that drivers have patience and watch out for school buses and kids.

• Open houses began Wednesday night, but four schools are holding their open houses today. That information is in the community calendar on page 2A.

• As for what’s on the lunch menu Monday, try chicken tenders, Dutch waffles, creamed potatoes and gravy, green beans, fruits and milk.

For more information, including the 2019-19 school calendar, district map, and school contact information, see our BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE.