The first day of class is always full of jitters for students. Surprisingly, educators get a little nervous, too. And several area teachers and principals will begin their first day of school in a new system.

The boards of education in Scott City, Oran and Chaffee combined hired more than 20 new administrators and teachers.

Carol Blanton will begin the year as the new elementary principal for Scott City schools.

He replaces Carl Rosenquist who took a job at Drury Inns Inc. over the summer.

Blanton served as superintendent at Zalma for two years before coming to Scott City.

Even after 11 years as an educator, the first day of school is still difficult for him.

Each system has its own personality, Blanton said, adding that the first two weeks of the year are crucial for both students and educators.

The Scott City school board hired nine teachers, and Board President Gale Dale said the number seemed higher than usual. She didn't know if it broke any school records.

The new teachers include a second-grade teacher and counselor at the elementary school, two special education teachers, a junior high science teacher who also will coach basketball, a physical education teacher who also will coach football and science, home economics and English teachers at the high school.

When students at Oran schools return Aug. 23, they will see a familiar face in a new job.

Tom Anderson will start the year as superintendent, replacing Jim McIntosh who moved to the East Prairie district.

Anderson was formerly the school's elementary principal. William Fredenburg was hired as the new principal.

Teachers were also hired for classes in junior high science, history and high school biology.

The Chaffee school board hired seven teachers, including three elementary teachers, two high school teachers and a special education teacher and an aide.

Thomas W. Kelly Elementary School hired three teachers, and the high school will have eight new teachers. One elementary teacher will also work part-time at the high school teaching math and English.

Only five of the nine are additional personnel, said High School Principal Tom Allen. Some of the teachers were moved to new positions within the district.

A learning disability instructor, three science teachers, a music teacher, art teacher and a social studies instructor and foreign language teacher were hired.

With a growing enrollment, more teachers help keep classes smaller and more reasonable, he said.