First day of school in Shenendehowa School District

Nearly 10,000 students returned to the classroom in the Shenendehowa School District on Wednesday.

This year, the district has made several upgrades and improvements.

There is a new, multi-purpose turf field being constructed next to Koda Middle School.

Superintendent Dr. Oliver Robinson says the district is still facing staffing shortages, but they are actively working to hire more employees. So far this year, the district hired over 100 new employees, including teachers, support staff, and bus drivers.

The bus driver shortage is a big challenge for the school district, but the superintendent says the bus GPS systems have been upgraded, so parents can now track when a bus might be delayed.

Due to a change in federal standards, Dr. Robinson says the district has to go back to paid lunches. Last year, lunch was free for all students, but the superintendent is encouraging parents to apply for free or reduced lunch.