We are one week away from the start of the new school year here in Bay County, at least for students. Teachers are already back to work. The school district took time Wednesday morning to give teachers a fresh dose of inspiration and motivation to get the year started on a positive note.

Call it a pep-rally for teachers. About two thousand Bay County teachers gathered at the Marina Civic Center in Panama City Wednesday morning for their annual back to school assembly. The theme of this year's gathering was "be the force."

"We're trying to get them emotionally recharged. And get their hearts in full capacity because teaching is a very hard job and so that's what this is about is getting them ready for a new year," said Superintendent Bill Husfelt.

The school district brought in keynote speaker, Adolph Brown, who overcame an impoverished childhood to become a scholar and speaker.

Mixing a little dancing and entertainment, Dr. Brown delivered a two hour motivational talk about the importance of a teacher's role, and that relationships in education lead to results.

"With all the standards and all the testing that's happening, don't get me wrong, those numbers are important. The public wants to see numbers, they want to see them rise but the foundation is relationships. That's what pushes them," said Dr. Brown.

Long time community members and leaders also thanked the teachers for everything they do.

It would seem likely that all two thousand Bay County teachers would vote for the half cent sales tax to renovate and refurbish school facilities but Husfelt is not taking any chances.

"If you don't vote for the half cent sales tax, if you don't get other people to vote for the half cent sales tax, then don't complain about not having the technology."

Husfelt adds he hopes to make this second annual event a common theme in Bay County.

Bay County starts back to school on the 11th but it is not the first in our area.
Okaloosa County students head back to class Thursday, followed by Gulf County on the 9th, then Bay.

Walton begins school on the 12th, then Franklin, Holmes and Jackson students start on the 23rd, and Liberty and Washington go back the 24th.