EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP-- Teachers were busy setting up their classrooms today. Many are excited to kickoff another school year. "Its nice coming back, getting excited and unpacking," said high school environmental science teacher Jim House.

"This year is exciting for me because I have my own room so it's the first year. I'll get to make my bulletin boards and make a home," said English teacher Kristen Stewart.

A few are even moved into brand new areas. Class around the Egg Harbor Township School District will be in session tomorrow. At the high school teachers were not the only ones working to prepare for the first day of school. Construction crews were paving a strip of sidewalk right outside the school just in time.

"Kids will be able to walk on this tomorrow no problem," said John Frandino, owner of Vineland based Global Concrete.

In fact the school itself is under construction. It is still in the middle of a project that has been going on for close to three years.

"It always adds a challenge getting the schools ready, making sure things are ready for our students," said Dr. Scott McCartney, Superintendent of the Egg Harbor Township School District.

Many say that the first day of school may be bittersweet. Not just because of the construction but also because of budget cuts and teacher layoffs.

"I am kind of sad because we lost a good teacher in our department. I am really sorry," said French teacher Guyselle North.

That upsets North who can no longer supervise a French club due to budget cuts. "I'm looking forward to another year but worried also," said North.

The district was cut nearly $10 million in funding after revising a defeated budget.
They also had to slash close to 20 staff members, including teachers. Regardless, educators here say no matter what they have to prepare for the nearly 2,600 students that will crowd the halls of the high school.

"Every year we come back and don't know what to expect but it keeps us on our toes," said House.