(Posted Aug. 8, 2023)
By Linda Dillman, Staff Writer
With another school year about to start, Jefferson Local Schools is filling the last few staffing positions left vacant by retirement, resignation, or a shift in personnel.
On Aug. 7, the school board hired Kelsey Flanik as the new assistant principal and curriculum director at Norwood Elementary. The two-year contract comes with an annual salary of $81,212.
Following a recommendation by Superintendent William Mullett, the board unanimously approved a one-year contract with Valerie Stauffer as an intervention specialist at Norwood.
“She’ll be a great addition,” Mullett said.
A third contract at Norwood brings Terra Schneider to the school as a building secretary.
“Welcome to Norwood,” Mullett said to Schneider. “They have a lot of action there.”
Two new bus drivers are joining the transportation department. Stephanie Carela and Martin Ochoa were both hired on one-year contracts, pending completion of bus driving requirements.
The board’s agenda also included approval of 17 substitute teachers for the upcoming school year. Two of the substitutes, Klarrissa Ramey and Shawn Harding, were hired under a temporary category that permits individuals that do not have a teaching license but do have a college degree to serve as classroom substitutes.
On June 24, 2022, Gov. Mike DeWine signed into action House Bill 583 which extends authorization for Ohio schools to employ substitute teachers according to their own educational level requirements through the 2023-24 school year.
The pandemic created a shortage of substitute teachers that continues to impact school districts across the state.
Substitute teachers must complete a background check before stepping into a classroom.
The board also approved the hiring of two classified aides and three nurse substitutes.
The first day of schools for Jefferson Local is Aug. 23. The next school board meeting is set for 7 p.m. Sept. 12 in the high school auditeria.
