By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

In contrast to their children’s first-day jitters, several Alabaster parents said they were excited about the city’s new school system as students returned to classes on Aug. 19.

Aug. 19 marked the first school day since Alabaster broke away from the Shelby County School System in July.

Creek View Elementary School saw a swarm of students, both new and returning, on the first day of school, bringing plenty of excitement and nervousness for kids and parents alike.

Keaghan Atchison, who was preparing to walk into CVES for his first day of kindergarten, nodded when asked if he was ready to start school.

“He is so nervous this morning,” his mother, Jessica Williams, said as she walked him to the school’s front door. “But I know he’ll have a good day.”

Williams, like several other parents at CVES, said she was optimistic about the Alabaster City School System.

“I think it’s great,” Williams said.

Charity Huter also shared positive thoughts on Alabaster City Schools.

“It’s awesome,” Huter said as she walked her daughter, Charli Amato, to the door for her first day of kindergarten. “Today is her first day, but I have older children too. I am impressed with the way things are being run this year.”

Erin Wetzel, who was walking her kindergarten son, Logan, to class, said she has high hopes for the school system’s future.

“We are excited about it,” Wetzel said of the upstart school system. “I don’t know a whole lot about it yet, but we are excited to be here.”

Alabaster School Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers said a few bus delays came with the first day of school, but said everything was running smoothly once students were at school.

“Unfortunately, we had about six or seven bus delays. But out of 80-plus buses, I think that’s pretty good,” Vickers said at about 8:30 a.m. “But everything is running smoothly now.

“I am so proud of the team we’ve got in place. Everyone has been so happy,” Vickers added. “This is a great day for Alabaster.”