SMITHFIELD — Kids in Johnston and Durham Counties said good-bye to summer Monday morning as they headed back to the classroom for the start of the new school year.

But in Johnston County, some parents and students start the new year with uncertainty.

That's because there is still no decision on the school board's controversial promotion policy. School board policy mandates if students fail end-of-grade tests, they don't pass their grade, regardless of their performance throughout the year.

A group of parents tried to get an injunction at least until the issue can be tried on its merits.

Meanwhile, the first day will be a busy one, especially for schools in areas where population is growing rapidly. East Clayton Elementary, for example, may well see a 15 percent rise in enrollment today. Benson and some areas of Smithfield will also see strong growth.

Children at Glendale-Kenly school will be exploring a brand new building today. Their old school burned down two yeaers ago, and since then classes have been held in various sites, among them churches and trailers. Today brings all the children together again and in spiffy new surroundings.