(11/23) At its November meeting, Fairfield Area School District School Board discussed the need to configure make-up days into the district calendar. "The issue that has come to light however is that when the calendar was developed and approved, there were no days listed as makeup," Interim Superintendent Larry Redding said.
One of the tasks before the board’s December meeting and possibility in January is to identify what days currently listed as vacation days can be converted into "snow days" as well as to complete a final draft of the 2022-2023 school calendar by February, according to Redding.
School board members whose terms were ending were recognized with certificates of appreciation for their service to the community including Travis Jones, David Millstein, and Earl Shutt. "On behalf of the school district, I would like to thank you for your service and provide you with a certificate of appreciation," Redding said.
Board President Marcy Van Metre was also recognized for her final meeting and given a certificate of appreciation from the Pennsylvania School Boards Association honoring her 12 years on the board. "I would also like to extend my district-thank you for the work you have done and moving the district forward in the last 12 years," Redding said. A reorganization meeting is scheduled for Dec. 6.
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Proving that school districts are no exception to the staffing shortages faced across the country, October's Fairfield Area School District (FASD) school board discussed hiring challenges.
Over a period of two weeks FASD has seen multiple vacancies opened including two classroom aids, a library aide, and a cafeteria worker, according to Building and Grounds Supervisor William Mooney.
"We’re working together to explain how we’re going to cover the classroom while we’re trying to find that help," Special Education Supervisor Danial Watkins.
"It’s some difficult times for us finding help," he said.
Of the school district’s five second shift custodial positions, four are vacant right now, Mooney said.
The school district is actively hiring, although one application was over before it started as the prospective employee never showed up to interview, he said.
"Its competitive right now what’s out there," Watkins said, noting other offer incentives including better pay and benefits can entice potential workers.
Mooney praised employees willing to step up and help where needed, including a maintenance worker who jumped in to help the short-staffed cafeteria.
"Which is way beyond his duties as a maintenance worker, but he did what he had to do cheerfully to keep the district open," Mooney said.
A potential group of people to help fill staffing gaps are kindergarten parents, according to Watkins, noting it has worked for the district once before.
As it is their first time their child is in public school, "They might find themselves at home, wondering what they’re going to do now," he said.
Along with the general staffing shortage, the district’s wrestling program finds itself without a coach and low student involvement, leaving many to question the possibility of the wrestling team continuing this year.
Athletic Director Andrew Kuhn expressed plans for the wrestling team including promoting and connecting students with the program and interviews lined up for potential coaches
There are always options for the wrestling team, including partnering with another school district if the program cannot continue, he said.
