The Courier received notice this morning that the Long County School System has delayed the first day of school. Schools will officially start on Monday, Aug. 6, instead of Aug. 1.

“I made the decision this morning to start on Aug. 6,” Dr. Waters said, in response to the Courier’s inquiries. “We were assured by our architect, construction manager and site superintendent we would be able to start.”

School administrators told the Courier that the later start is in the best interest of students, teachers and staff to provide a smoother transition into the new schools.

The school system announced new open house times for all Long County schools. Open house for Smiley Pre-K is 1-3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 2. Smiley Elementary School and McClelland Elementary School will be 2-5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 2.

Open house for both Long County Middle School and Long County High School will be 3-5 p.m., Friday, Aug. 3.

“Starting on Monday, Aug. 6, instead of the first, will allow us to strengthen our instructional integrity,” Dr. Waters said. “Five extra days will help us achieve that.”