School system counts more than 42,700 students on 20th day

On the 20th day of the school year, the Hamilton County Department of Education is reporting a final enrollment figure of 42,705 students enrolled in the school system. 

The number represents an increase of 469 students in the school system from last year's final tally and an increase of 2,354 students since the first day of school.

Elementary schools continued to see the most gains, adding 296 additional students since last year, which brings the total number of elementary students to 21,136.

In high schools, a total of 11,944 students were recorded, 15 more than last year's final high school tally. In middle schools, a total of 9,625 students were recorded, 158 more than at this point last year.

The numbers were released one day after Hamilton County School Board members voted to approve the hiring of 10 new teachers. Superintendent Rick Smith said he estimated the hires would cost the school system approximately $500,000 of already-budgeted funds. 

Schools receiving one new position each are Apison Elementary, CSAS Upper, Chattanooga Center for Creative Arts, East Hamilton Middle-High, East Ridge Elementary, Orchard Knob Middle, Soddy-Daisy Middle and Woodmore Elementary. Two hires were requested to fill needed positions at Orchard Knob Elementary. 

The 20th day enrollment will serve as the school system's final count for the 2012-13 school year.