Grab your backpacks, pack a lunch and lace up your new shoes, because we are headed back to school.

The 2023-2024 academic year begins Monday, Aug. 28, in Gloucester and Mathews counties with two new superintendents, who have both been warmly welcomed and supported by their new school systems.

In Gloucester

Enrollment for Gloucester County Public Schools is 5,041 students as of Tuesday, according to Dr. Anthony Vladu, division superintendent. This is an increase from last year’s enrollment at the same time, which was 4,773 students.

Vladu said the district’s number one priority is school safety. All eight schools have at least one school resource officer and at least one school security officer. The last security vestibule for the school district has also been completed over the summer, which was at Achilles Elementary School. Vladu commended both the Gloucester County School Board and Gloucester County Board of Supervisors for the increased safety measures.

“They prior...