Board approves temporary international teacher hires to fill hard‑to‑staff subjects
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Summary
Board approved a tentative program to hire experienced international teachers through IAG on J‑1 visas to staff hard-to-fill classes in math, science, special education and Spanish; the agency fee is 20% of salary and the vote passed with one 'no.'
The Santa Rosa City Schools Board approved the district’s use of an international teacher placement program to fill persistent vacancies in hard-to-staff subjects, voting to authorize hiring teachers brought by IAG on J‑1 exchange visas.
District staff explained to trustees that the teachers recruited through IAG are experienced classroom teachers (the presenter cited examples of 3 to 22 years of experience) and would be employed under district pay scales and eligible for membership in the district’s SRTA bargaining unit. The J‑1 arrangement is a cultural‑exchange, temporary visa; placements typically run three years with a possible extension to five years.
Staff said IAG charges the district a placement fee equal to 20% of the teacher’s salary. The district will not pay the employer CalSTRS contribution for J‑1 “sojourn” teachers (a figure staff cited as about 19% of salary) and staff explained there may be health‑insurance cost savings if teachers use IAG's insurance option (staff cited roughly $3,700 per year vs. the district's approximate $13,000 cost for full Kaiser coverage) because IAG’s coverage is offered at a lower group rate for these participants. Staff said the district would still pay teachers according to regular salary schedules.
Trustees asked about mentoring and induction supports. Staff said IAG provides professional development and orientation, and district induction and mentoring (including North Coast School of Education programs) would also be available to these teachers.
The board approved the item on a roll-call vote: Student Board Member Carrillo — Aye; Student Board Member Olivera — Aye; Trustee Casten — Aye; Trustee Kirby — Aye; Trustee Jenkins — Aye; Trustee De La Torre — No; President McNally — Aye. The motion passed.
Ending: Staff said visas typically take four to eight weeks after consulate processing; the district will proceed with onboarding once consular appointments and visa issuance are complete.
