The School Board on May 23 recognized a special group of staff members who came out of retirement to return to the classroom and other posts to help the district during a critical time of staff shortages. The staff members recognized were: Eric Arnold, Linda Bass, Sheri Capper, Angie Donaldson, Brad Gaines, Norma Mann, Ronda Miles, Steven Miller, Don Novak, Randy Randolph, Alice Redding, Pam Schnake, Todd Schnake, and Cathy Zornes.
For the past several years, especially following the pandemic, school districts faced challenges filling job openings. There was also a statewide shortage of certified teachers.
The state legislature became involved - passing a bill allowing the rehiring of retired public school teachers and retired non-certified staff to fill full-time positions for an extended amount of time. This became an important way to fill some job openings with people who have experience and who have a connection to our community.
Pictured, from left: Alice Redding, Angie Donaldson, Linda Bass, Sheri Capper, Norma Mann, Randy Randolph, and Board Member Patty Phillips.