Orange County Schools implements teacher co-op program and addresses staffing challenges

The Board of Education meeting held on March 10, 2025, in North Carolina focused on staffing updates and strategies to enhance teacher recruitment and retention. The meeting began with discussions on the importance of diversifying the teaching staff, particularly through a proposed student teaching co-op program aimed at encouraging local students to pursue teaching careers. Board members emphasized the need for a diverse workforce to benefit both students and staff.

Following this, Mr. Kohlweik provided a detailed staffing update, breaking down the current status of classified and certified staff. He reported a reduction in classified staff vacancies from 20 at the beginning of the school year to 12.5 by mid-year, highlighting efforts to recruit and retain essential support staff, including custodians and bus drivers. The district has also focused on increasing the pool of substitute teachers, responding to feedback from educators about the need for more substitutes.

In terms of certified staff, the report indicated that the district has hired 245 new classified employees and noted a significant number of new hires among elementary core teachers. The board discussed the challenges of high turnover rates among elementary teachers, with members expressing concern over the impact on student learning. The meeting included a discussion on the importance of providing adequate support for beginning teachers, including mentorship programs and professional development opportunities.

The board also highlighted the success of the National Board Certification program, which has seen an increase in certified teachers within the district. The meeting concluded with plans for an upcoming job fair aimed at attracting new talent, with both virtual and in-person options to accommodate a wider range of candidates.

Overall, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to improving staffing levels and supporting both new and experienced teachers, with a focus on creating a diverse and effective educational environment for students. The board plans to revisit the staffing goals in future meetings to ensure continued progress in these areas.