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Friday, November 13, 2026Nov 13

Superintendent of Chattooga County Schools says first day went well, will preach social distancing

Staff photo by C.B. Schmelter / A sign outlining safety measures hangs on the door at Leroy Massey Elementary School on Tuesday, July 28, 2020 in Summerville, Ga.
Staff photo by C.B. Schmelter / A sign outlining safety measures hangs on the door at Leroy Massey Elementary School on Tuesday, July 28, 2020 in Summerville, Ga. Staff photo by C.B. Schmelter / A sign outlining safety measures hangs on the door at Leroy Massey Elementary School on Tuesday, July 28, 2020 in Summerville, Ga.

On the first day of school in Chattooga County, Superintendent Jared Hosmer and members of his administrative staff visited every school in the district.

The first day of school after summer break is always hectic. This year, even more so.

Chattooga County Schools was one of the first districts in the country to return to schools since they shut down in March in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The opening came at a particularly controversial time, with the county amid an outbreak that has forced the local courthouse, police station, recreation center and other public buildings to close because of employee infections.

On a call with reporters after the first day of school, Hosmer said things were mostly smooth throughout the day, and he was proud of his staff and students who are learning on the fly how to go to school in a brand new environment.

“It was a great first day of school,” Hosmer said. “Everything seemed to go smoothly.”