Superintendent Marty Crawford talks to teachers, staff and administrators during the annual Tyler Independent School District Convocation on Friday at the Robert E. Lee High School gymnasium in Tyler. Andrew D. Brosig/Tyler Morning Telegraph via AP

Superintendent Marty Crawford reported the first day of school at Tyler ISD went smoothly, aided at least in part by a new online registration process that helped more students arrive prepared.

Tyler ISD piloted the new online registration program this year, which allowed parents to register their children at home at their own convenience.

“We’re further along on our pre-registration than I thought we’d be,” Crawford said.

More than 60 percent of students registered by the first day of school.

Crawford started his day Wednesday by greeting students at Caldwell Arts Academy Elementary.

“It’s been a very smooth day,” Crawford said. “I’ve been impressed during my first two years (as superintendent) with the organizational structure and professionalism.”

Crawford said during his tour of the district he was proud to see teachers and administrators available to students. He also was glad to see the new lunch structure at Robert E. Lee High School was providing seniors with incentive to be more responsible and also providing them flexibility.

Crawford said increased communication with parents through technology made a difference this year.

“It really helped to take the fear out of the first day,” he said. “The students were smiling and the parents were happy.”

One of the only issues Crawford noted during the busy first day was some minor lawn and maintenance issues he said were caused by last week’s rain.

– Cory McCoy