Columbia, SC (WLTX) The City of Columbia is allowing all of their employees with children two hours off in the morning so that they can take their kids to their first day of school.

This is the second time that employees with the city have been allowed time in the morning to take their kids to the first day of school.  A program that was begun under Mayor Steve Benjamin. 

"Nothing is more important to our children's educations than having active and engaged parents supporting and encouraging them to do their very best, " said Mayor Benjamin. "I encourage you to join me by taking part in this wonderful moment in our children's lives."

The mayor went on to add that, "The first day of school is a time of promise and potential and by participating in the milestone, parents have the opportunity to show their children how important education is to their future and how dedicated the City of Columbia is to making that future as bright as possible."