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District reports 44 vacancies; board informed of proposed kindergarten class‑size waiver
Summary
Hoke County Schools reported 44 vacancies (27 certified, 18 classified) with an expected reduction of about 10 hires that night. Separately, staff presented an informational request for a class‑size waiver for a Spanish‑immersion kindergarten class at West Oak Elementary that would require the chair's signature and superintendent approval.
Hoke County Schools presented its monthly vacancy report Dec. 9: the district currently has 44 open positions, of which the presenter said 27 are certified and 18 are classified. Staff noted an expectation that about 10 positions could be filled that evening, potentially reducing the total to approximately 34 vacancies.
At the same meeting, district staff provided information about a planned class‑size waiver request for West Oak Elementary’s kindergarten. Staff said state class‑size requirements for grades K–3 (as administered by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction) set maximum class sizes and permit waivers in limited circumstances, such as for Spanish immersion classes. Staff said the waiver will require the board chair’s signature and the superintendent’s concurrence; it was presented to the board for information ahead of required action.
Board members did not vote on the waiver that evening; staff indicated the waiver form and supporting materials were available for review and that the board chair would sign if the board directs staff to proceed.
Why it matters: Vacancy levels affect classroom coverage and district operations. A waiver for an immersion kindergarten class would allow the school to legally exceed standard class‑size limits under defined state rules and maintain program continuity where reassigning students is not practicable.
What’s next: HR will report on hires and changes at future meetings; staff will return with documentation and an action item for the board chair’s signature if the board approves the waiver request.
