Buses were back on the streets of West Columbia and summer vacation for the kids ended. Wednesday was the first day of school for all of Lexington School District Two.

“We are excited to have opened today as scheduled, and our families and students arrived at schools this morning ready to get the new year started,” said Dawn Kujawa, Lexington Two Schools Communications Director.

She said weather had not impacted school operations as of Wednesday, but Lexington Two schools were closed Thursday due to Tropical Storm Debby.

As students returned to West Columbia schools, so did officers from the West Columbia Police Department who serve as School Resource Officers.

“We have West Columbia Police personnel at four West Columbia schools,” said West Columbia Police Chief Marion Boyce. Those officers serve at: Saluda River Academy for the Arts; Riverbank Elementary School; Northside Middle School; and East Point Academy. They’re excited to get back.”

Boyce said the primary job of School Resource Officers is to provide a safe learning environment for students, but students also get a positive experience with law enforcement personnel through the interaction at school. He also said the students respond well when they see officers outside of school.

Last year, West Columbia Police Officer Chris Yarborough was recognized as the Officer of the Quarter. He serves as the School Resource Officer for Saluda River Academy of the Arts. Boyce said Yarborough has established wonderful relationships with the students, staff, and parents at the school.

About Lexington School District Two

• More than 8,600 Lexington Two students in grades PK-12
• More than 1,000 employees work for Lexington Two Schools  
• There are 12 Schools (6 Elementary, 4 Middle, 2 High Schools)
• There is 1 Innovation Center
• There is 1 Alternative School
• There is 1 Adult Education Program

Charter Schools

• East Point Academy Elementary School
• East Point Academy Middle School
• Gray Collegiate Academy Middle School
• Gray Collegiate Academy High School