District reports instructional vacancies under 2%; board asks for updated vacancy breakdowns and paraprofessional tracking

Human resources staff told the Flagler County School Board on Sept. 9 that the district began the year with instructional vacancies under 2 percent and that the district meets class‑size requirements.

“On the first day of school, we were at under 2% with instructional vacancies,” Mr. Walker said. He explained the figure is based on online postings compared with assigned positions and acknowledged that some teachers decide to resign after school begins, which changes the count.

Board members asked for a more detailed breakdown that separates classroom vacancies from other instructional vacancies; Walker said staff can provide that. Trustees also asked how long‑term substitute placements are being handled. HR staff said the district has a strong substitute pool that includes recently retired certified teachers and that schools assign internal academic leaders (literacy coaches and instructional leads) to support long‑term substitutes.

Members also discussed paraprofessionals and special‑education needs. Staff said they track paraprofessionals and reassign them where fading is possible, but they also noted that new students with IEPs sometimes require additional paraprofessional support that must be provided. Several board members asked staff to estimate budgetary impact for new positions and vacancies; HR said those budget interactions will be updated and shared with the board.

What’s next: HR will provide a detailed vacancy spreadsheet on request and continue to monitor paraprofessional assignments and their budgetary impact.