COLUMBIA (WACH) - City of Columbia employees with children in school will get time off to take their children to the first day of school.

City officials announced Friday that all employees with school children are allowed to take two hours off to help their children start the school year.

“I encourage you to join me by taking part in this wonderful moment in our children’s lives by taking them to their first day of school and helping start this year with energy, eager to learn and feeling our support and our love,” said Mayor Steve Benjamin.

Benjamin says nothing is more important to children's education than active and engaged parents.