JAY – Smiles. Laughter. Fresh paint. Shiny floors. Immaculate classrooms.

It’s the dawning of a new school year, and people here are looking forward to it. Jay schools open Tuesday for grades one through nine. Students in all grades, except kindergarten which starts Friday, are scheduled to attend Wednesday.

“Jay schools are ready for children to start and not just start, but start with a veteran staff that is going to be looking to fine-tune curriculum offerings to serve all students in the excellent way we have in the past,” Jay Superintendent Robert E. Wall said.

“This year, our emphasis is going to be on working not only to be in compliance with state and federal regulations but also to emphasize the quality services that Jay schools provide.”

The Lewiston man has been heading the Jay system since Aug. 1. Already he’s made his office homey and inviting. A framed, antique charcoal drawing of his great uncle, Mike Kelly, is the wall beside his desk.

Kelly’s portrait has overlooked Wall’s offices 27 years, ever since he has been an administrator.

“He was a high-achieving person,” Wall said. “He’s a reminder to me we need to stay close to our traditions and celebrate high achievement.”

Wall said he’s looking forward to working with a “quality staff,” which has a great deal of experience and expertise. He pointed out that half the teaching staff has more than 25 years experience, he said.

“I’m very impressed with the quality of the offerings here and our ability to serve students,” Wall said. “We’re big enough to offer quality curriculum, but small enough to know our students well.”

From the windows at Jay School Department’s central office custodians could be seen Wednesday painting white trim around windows at Jay Elementary School.

Wall said school maintenance people have done an excellent job this summer preparing schools for opening day.

High School Principal Peter Brown said he is looking forward to working with all the new people and the superintendent.

“He has a vision,” Brown said. “He has a road for us to follow.”

Wall will share that vision with staff members Monday. He also plans to work on gaining community support this year.

“Our goal is to present a fiscally responsible budget that will inspire voter confidence, not only in our ability to manage money but to serve community needs,” Wall said.

dperry@sunjournal.com