TAMPA, Fla. — The big day has arrived.

Summer is over for about 580,000 Bay area students as Wednesday is the first day of school for all of the region’s school districts.

There have been many changes that have happened since last year.

The Florida legislature has passed bills that will affect how children are taught, such as Parental Rights in Education, individual freedom and curriculum transparency.

And when it comes to COVID, school districts have been preparing for months to get all the kids back safely.

There are no vaccine mandates in place.

But all school age children are eligible to get the vaccine, and the CDC does recommend that children ages 5-11 get the shot.

On Wednesday, some students are entering new schools.

The Dorothy C. York Innovation Academy opens Wednesday morning in Hillsborough County.

District officials say this Apollo Beach magnet school will help alleviate overcrowding at other schools in the area.

York Innovation Academy has about 1,600 seats for students in Pre-K through eighth grade.

Over the next 15 years, the district plans to build a dozen additional schools all in the same area of Hillsborough County.

In Pinellas County, not only is it the first day for kids, but it's the first day of school for new Superintendent Kevin Hendrick.

Hendrick officially took over the role this summer, replacing Mike Grego. Last year, Hendrick was the chief academic officer for Pinellas schools.

Hendrick said while any new school year brings its challenges, he wants parents to stay involved as much as possible.

He says that’s the way to overcome obstacles.

"I’m super positive and upbeat in everything that we do,” Hendrick said. “There’s no reason for us to languish in our problems. We can all find those, but let’s find solutions for the things we can."

Pertaining to school safety, Hendrick said the district continues to refine its plans and harden schools.

This year, he says there’s an additional focus on getting students help through the threat assessment process.

SCHOOL SAFETY

Meanwhile, the Hernando County School District says it's on track for the rollout of the "one-to-one" device initiative.

That means all students will have their own laptops by the end of the month. Each student will be provided with a Hewlett Packard Probook with touchscreen.

The computers will include all the necessary applications, educational programs and files for students to access at home and at school, using a single sign on.

Computers will be managed by the district to ensure internet content is monitored and filtered.

MORE PAY FOR TEACHERS AND SCHOOL WORKERS

In Polk County, teachers and staff are making more money this year.

Last month, the school board approved salary raises for employees.

The starting salary for teachers is now more than $47,000, which is an increase of more than $2,000.

All other teachers will see an increase by at least 2.25 percent.

Minimum wage for bus drivers is now $16.25 an hour, and all drivers will see a pay increase of at least $1.75 an hour.

And the minimum wage for all staff, other than bus drivers, is now $15 an hour.

Support staff in Manatee County also got raises.

All bus drivers, custodians, food service workers and maintenance employees will make at least $15 an hour.

And employees who have been with the district for more than six months will receive pay increases.

Even though the school year has started, there are still many open positions throughout Citrus County.

According to county's website, there are 33 teaching positions open, and 43 teaching aids.

But there are other positions posted as well, such as maintenance workers, food service and school counselors.

Those interested in one of these positions can head over to the district's website.