Columbia Public Schools enrollment increases

Enrollment for the Columbia Public School District is up 224 students over numbers from the same time in 2007, according to a district news release.

As of about 2 p.m. Thursday, total enrollment stands at 17,307 students. This number, which is based upon data for the first day of classes, may fluctuate before final enrollment numbers are determined on Sept. 24.

Total elementary enrollment is 8,269 compared with 8,087 at the same time in 2007. Middle and junior high school enrollment is 5,020 compared with 4,982 in 2007 an increase of 38 students. High school enrollment is 4,018 compared with 4,014 in 2007 an increase of four students.

Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services Lynn Barnett said Thursday morning that the first day of Columbia Public Schools started smoothly.

While morning rain prompted some parents to drive their kids to school instead of making them wait for the bus, the weather didn't interrupt any bus services or prevent any schools from opening on time, Barnett said.

At approximately 9:50 a.m., two hours after high school students began their school year and one hour after elementary students sat down in class, she had heard of no accidents or any emergency-type situations.

"Our administrators know how to start school very very well," Barnett said. "It seems we've had good starts for the last three or four years."

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