Classes began Monday in the Hope Public School District for the 2016-2017 academic year with a good bit of organizing. Hope High School Principal Bill Hoglund said first day classes at HHS went smoothly, despite a lack of bell system, which had been damaged by lightning. At Yerger Middle School, new YMS Principal Josclyn Wiley was a traffic cop during the morning class changes; and, at the new Hope Academy of Public Service, scheduling changes were the first order of business. All told, Hope Schools Superintendent Bobby Hart reported to the HPSD Board at its monthly meeting Monday night that the start of school this year was smoother than anticipated. – Ken McLemore/Hope Public Schools