It was a smooth first day back to school for thousands of Brainerd area students.
"I was impressed with how everything went," said Superintendent Klint Willert, who visited each of the district's school buildings Tuesday. "Our teachers were very engaged with students. Students were eager to be back in school."
An estimated 6,600 students are enrolled in the Brainerd School District for the 2014-15 year, which is higher than officials anticipated.
That's good news, Willert said.
The final enrollment count will come in October. Numbers are pretty fluid in the first few weeks as students settle in to the school.
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Even with the uptick in students, the first day back in the classroom went well, he said. Staff helped direct kids, especially the younger ones, around the buildings and to the right classrooms. All busses were on time and got students to school with ease.
The main obstacle the district faced was at Garfield Elementary, where the Safe Routes to School construction is still a couple of weeks out from being finished.
Because there is still machinery operating near the school, staff are taking extra precautions in getting students safely into the building and back home, Willert said.
"Staff has done an outstanding job in working with the parents and bus company," he said.
The start of school means heavier foot and bike traffic around town as students make their way to school each morning, and Willert is asking drivers to take extra precautions on commutes.
"A lot more young kids are out there," he said. "Navigate the area carefully. Be patient with them."
And for those residents who don't have a family member in the school district, Willert is asking for support to area students.
"We're committed to doing the best we can to give kids a quality education," he said. "It's so important for the community and region."
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A successful first day of school like Tuesday sets up the district for a good year, Willert said.
"It sets the right tone and tenor for the year," he said.
