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Board approves Teach in the USA contract to recruit J‑1 teachers, members press for fee details and exit terms
Summary
The board approved an agreement with an international teacher-placement service to recruit J‑1 visa teachers; trustees pressed staff on the program's fees, insurance arrangements, and contract exit terms before voting to proceed.
The Manitowoc Public School District voted to enter an agreement with Teach in the USA (a teacher-placement service) to recruit J‑1 visa teachers after trustees reviewed fees, insurance handling and contract flexibility.
Personnel and human-resources staff described the program as a way to fill hard-to-staff positions with certified candidates and to manage visa logistics. "They really help us to find a quality candidate," said Stacy, the district's human-resources director, describing an applicant with a master's in math who was interviewed locally. Stacy explained that the placement company sponsors the visa, assists with insurance and resettlement, and handles much of the administrative work that would otherwise fall to the district.
Trustees pressed for clarity on costs. Exhibit B in the contract lists a service fee equal to 20% of a general K‑12 teacher's salary for years 1 through 3 and 15% for years 4 and 5; trustees confirmed the district pays the teacher's salary and the percentage fee to the company. "So in other words, we're paying an extra 20%," said Board member Chris; Stacy confirmed the placement company covers required health insurance for incoming teachers, reducing the district's benefits cost.
The board also discussed one-time procurement fees and mentorship/professional‑development charges listed for H‑1B placements; trustees clarified that the current agreement is for J‑1 visa placements only. Mr. Abel asked whether the district could exit the contract if a placement left midyear; staff said the district pays only for services used and that the agreement is structured so the district is not obligated for the full term in case a teacher departs.
After discussion, the board voted to approve the agreement. The motion passed with a voice vote.
District leaders said the program is intended to bring experienced, classroom-ready teachers to Manitowoc while offsetting some benefits costs, and that the district will continue local recruiting efforts in parallel.
