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Board members flag special-education staffing shortages and substitute coverage concerns
Summary
Board members reported roughly 41–42 district vacancies with nearly half in special education, warning that untrained substitutes covering those roles could create safety and supervision risks for students with special needs. Officials asked administrators to monitor buildings closely.
Board members raised concerns that staffing shortages — particularly in special education — are creating supervisory and safety risks.
"We have roughly 41 or 42 job openings in Fayette County," Mr. Groom said, adding that "almost half of those are special ed." He warned that substitutes placed in those roles often lack training for specialized student needs and urged principals and administrators to keep close watch of classrooms where untrained substitutes are assigned.
Board discussion referenced neighboring counties dealing with similar issues and noted instances where principals and assistant principals have had to step into classrooms to ensure students' needs were met, which can pull administrators away from other duties. The board asked staff to be vigilant about assignments and consider strategies to reduce risk, including targeted recruitment and support for special-education positions.
No formal motions were recorded on staffing during the meeting; board members emphasized monitoring and reporting on vacancies and substitute placements at future meetings.
