File photo of a Knox County School classroom.
Tens of thousands of students, teachers, and administrators are back in the classroom this week.
For the Superintendent of Knox County Schools, it marks the start of a busy week of school visits.
Dr. Jim McIntyre began Tuesday at Rocky Hill Elementary, visiting with students, teachers, and administrators.
"It's a wonderful time of year for us, our teachers love to see kids back in school," he said. "First day of school is just an exciting time."
Rocky Hill is followed by a trip to Shannondale Elementary and a chance to check out some summer renovations.
"The hallways are much brighter," McIntyre said. "New lighting, new drop ceilings, some great work here at Shannondale."
New additions also include an entrance way that will provide improved security during school days.
McIntyre's final visit of the day is at Halls High School.
"They're doing some great work at Halls. Academically their indicators are terrific, and making some great progress," he said.
As the half-day of school nears the final bell, a whirlwind tour comes to an end. The superintendent is encouraged by what he's seen in the classrooms.
"We saw three very different schools, but schools that have great leadership and strong faculties, and I think really are emblematic of the work we're trying to accomplish in Knox County Schools," McIntyre said.
He plans to visit at least three quarters of the district's 88 schools this year.