Students across Amador County are savoring their last hours of freedom today. A new school year begins tomorrow, August 13th, and schools across Amador County are frantically readying for the big day. For the majority of schools, enrollment numbers are remaining the same as last year, although last minute signups and part time students will cause those numbers to fluctuate. Amador High School Secretary Julie Riffle said their preliminary enrollment number is 837 students, compared to roughly 854 students at this time last year. “It’s hard to say if these numbers will stay the same,” said Riffle. 23 of the students who have enrolled so far are splitting classes between the two high schools, depending on what is being offered. Preliminary reports from Argonaut High School show that enrollment this year will also remain at roughly the same number as last year. Elsewhere in the county, schools have made changes based on new budget restraints and as a way to improve and update schedules. Pine Grove School has changed its hours to begin 15 minutes later at 8am. Many teachers will oversee a large number of students due to staff cutbacks. All in all, this school year will prove to be challenging for everyone involved in local education.