Lincoln County school officials told the Lincoln County Board of Education on July 29 that the district continues to face shortages in several teaching areas and is relying on a critical‑need substitute policy while recruitment continues. Board members discussed the policy update during the meeting and approved multiple personnel moves on a unanimous vote.

Board context: The issue matters because unfilled teacher positions affect class coverage and the district’s ability to staff specialized subjects. Staff described repeated postings for the same vacancies and said the district uses long‑term substitutes and retired teachers when certified applicants are not available.

During the consent and personnel sections, a staff member said some positions “we have posted over and over and just can’t get anybody in.” The staff member listed math, science and language arts among the subjects with persistent openings. The same staff member said the district posts anticipated vacancies in advance and will repost positions when current staff are transferred into other roles.

District policy and next steps: Board members and staff said the district is required to update its critical‑need substitute policy annually. The board did not adopt a new policy language at the meeting; rather, members discussed the existing authorization and approved individual personnel actions that include transfers and hires. One board member clarified that, if certified applicants are not available, the district will use retired teachers or substitutes to cover classrooms until a permanent hire is found.

Formal action: The board approved the personnel agenda, including transfers that will create subsequent postings for vacated positions. That motion passed 5‑0.

What remained undecided: No new recruitment program or funding stream was voted on during the meeting. Board members asked for continued updates and indicated staff would keep posting positions and use substitutes or retired staff where permitted by the district’s policy.

For residents: The board scheduled its next regular meeting for Aug. 5, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the Central Office in Hamlin, where personnel updates and recruitment status are likely to reappear on the agenda.