Middletown High faces short-term gaps in science instruction as district seeks certified hires

MIDDLETOWN — Middletown High School began the school year with no permanent teacher in at least one chemistry section and two open biology positions, district officials said at the board meeting. The district is covering classes with certified staff filling extra sections, daily substitutes and temporary ESS staff while continuing active recruitment.

District administrators told the Board of Education that the vacancies are part of a broader statewide shortage in science teachers and that the district is using multiple approaches to provide consistent instruction. Jennifer Cannata, filling in for HR leadership, said postings are active statewide and the district is contacting candidates, including retired teachers eligible under recent state flexibilities and participants in alternate-route certification programs.

The board asked whether students would be moved into Advanced Placement or other accelerated offerings to make up gaps; administrators said program placement decisions will follow academic requirements and counselor recommendations. The district also identified "proximity learning" — a remote, live-teacher model used last year — as an option under consideration to provide consistent certified instruction while hires are secured.

Board members and district staff emphasized the need for urgency and for multi-pronged recruitment: posting to Connecticut recruitment lists, outreach to area colleges, use of ARC/alternate-route candidates, outreach to the chamber of commerce and targeted recruitment fairs. HR officials said they will also share lists of grants and positions that are approaching the end of their grant funding so the board can consider long-term staffing implications during the December budget process.

Administrators noted the challenges of filling high-shortage subject areas, explained that some sections are covered by certified staff or long-term subs, and said they will continue rapid interview and hiring efforts to avoid prolonged use of temporary staffing in lab-based science courses.

The board discussed forming a small task group — including retired teachers and board volunteers — to bring additional recruitment ideas and partnerships back to the full board for consideration.

Until permanent hires are made, the district will rely on a mix of certified staff coverage, ESS/substitute teachers and the previously used proximity-learning provider; parents were urged to contact school administrators with concerns about instructional continuity.

Ending: District leaders said they will report back with hiring progress and with any additional measures the board can take to support recruitment at a future meeting.