Greenville County Schools Welcomes Students Back Tomorrow
Greenville County, S.C. – Tomorrow marks an exciting day for nearly 80,000 students as Greenville County Schools officially kicks off the new school year. The schools will open their doors to students across all 86 of their schools, and district leaders are eager to see everyone back in class.
School District Ready for a Productive Year
Tim Waller, the Director of Media Relations for the school district, expressed their readiness, saying, “We are ready to go. Teachers are fired up. We hope that kids are ready to go. Put them to bed early tonight because tomorrow morning is going to come early.”
This school district is the largest in South Carolina, and with a staff of about 6,000 certified teachers, they are fully prepared to start the year strong. Waller noted, “We have filled all teaching positions, so we start the new school year with excellent certified teachers.”
Transportation and Career Opportunities
The district is currently managing with 400 bus drivers, but they are still looking to hire about 50 more. Waller encouraged those interested in becoming a bus driver, stating it “pays well” at over $20 an hour, making it an appealing option for anyone considering a change in career or looking for a second job.
This school year is also significant for the Career and Technology Education (CTE) programs, particularly at the newly opened CTE Innovation Center on Roper Mountain Road. Waller mentioned that this center has seen positive outcomes, with BMW already selecting students for their rising scholars’ program from these courses.
Continued Support for Students
In addition to preparing students for future careers, the district remains committed to providing free meals for students at 82 schools through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). This meal program has expanded from just 15 eligible schools last year and will continue until at least the 2026-27 school year. Waller explained that the program ensures that schools with a significant number of low-income families can serve free meals to all students.
Preparing for Tomorrow
As the first day of school approaches, school district leaders are buzzing with excitement. They recommend parents plan for increased traffic in the morning as the roads and carlines are expected to be busy with students heading back for a fresh start. Everyone is looking forward to a successful and dynamic school year ahead.