School Board Discusses Teacher/Staff Vacancies

By: Shelia Mader

At last week’s Jackson County School Board workshop, board members and district officials discussed staffing vacancies, including a discrepancy in the reported number of open teaching positions. No formal action was taken.

During the meeting, Superintendent Hunter Nolen introduced the personnel agenda item, prompting discussion from board members about ongoing vacancies.

Chairman Chris Johnson opened by thanking staff for keeping the board informed.

“I appreciate Ms. Barber for sending out the personnel updates every day,” Johnson said, noting the regular communication on staffing changes.

Board member Tony Pumphrey questioned the number of current teaching vacancies, saying he believed there were 11 open positions.

“We still have 11, I think, counted open teaching positions. Is that correct, Mr. Nolen?” Pumphrey asked.

Deputy Superintendent Laura Kent responded that the district currently has eight open teacher positions.

“We have eight open teacher positions right now,” Kent said.

Nolen added that some of the vacancies discussed may include specialized roles, such as speech-related positions. Kent clarified that, in addition to the eight teacher openings, there are two speech-language pathologist (SLP) positions, one school psychologist, one director, and one data specialist vacancy.

The Times reviewed the Jackson County School Board website following the meeting and found 11 positions listed under teacher vacancies, highlighting the discrepancy between the public listing and the number cited during the workshop. Officials noted that vacancy numbers can fluctuate and the website is not always immediately updated.

“Those tend to fluctuate on the teacher positions,” Kent said.

The discussion also turned to staffing challenges in specialized areas, particularly speech-language pathologists. Kent said the district has struggled to fill those roles and is working with a contracted service to recruit candidates.

Board member Rex Torbett raised concerns about the district potentially rehiring former employees through third-party contracts at higher pay rates.

“I would like to see that if we have an employee leave our employment, that we do not hire them back as a contract person,” Torbett said. “We try to find somebody else outside the district… because we’re being used that way.”

He compared the situation to trends seen in healthcare during COVID-19, where employees left positions only to return as higher-paid contract workers.

Kent responded that contracting may be necessary to meet service requirements, particularly for hard-to-fill SLP positions.

“SLPs are a critical need, not just in Jackson County, but across,” she said.

Board member Chephus Granberry said he had raised similar concerns at a previous meeting, noting that the current contract does not explicitly prevent former employees from returning through a third-party provider.

“In essence, what can happen is our SLPs can leave our district, be hired by that company, and they can place them right back at our school,” Granberry said.

Kent acknowledged that scenario is possible.

Chairman Johnson asked the district’s attorney, Matt Fuqua, to review the contract terms for clarification. Fuqua agreed to look into the issue.

District officials added that while they may have the ability to interview proposed contract employees, it is unclear whether the current agreement allows them to reject specific individuals outright.

The board did not take action on the matter, but discussion is expected to continue as the district works to address staffing shortages and contract policies.