Oklahoma school districts working to fill open positions

MUSTANG, Okla. (KOKH) — With a new school year just a couple weeks away, many districts around the Oklahoma City metropolitan area are still trying to fill positions.

Moore Public Schools is looking for qualified teachers, coaches, bus drivers and support staff. Yukon needs special education teachers and paraprofessionals. Edmond also faces a need for various positions.

Fox 25 has been learning more about Mustang Public Schools' situation. The district has 13 certified openings right now. While that doesn't seem like a lot, executive director of human resources Chris Tobler says having a full staff is key to a good school year.

"This is not necessarily normal for this point in time in the summer," Tobler said. "I would say we're looking for more positions at this point in time than normally in the past."

Mustang needs teachers, paraprofessionals, bus drivers and child nutrition workers.

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"I think it's really just reflective of a lot of industries right now in America in struggling to hire critical people on hopefully the downwards slope of COVID-19."

13 openings are more than what Tobler's used to.

"I would say we're not in a great position, but relatively speaking, we're in a decent position. I don't know in the past if we've ever began the school year without having all of our critical openings filled, so this may be different times looking into the 2022-23 school year."

He tells Fox 25 every job is critical, as the district sees at least 500 new students each year.

"Mustang is a growing district. We need to continue to grow with staff, or that creates a tougher job for everyone else that has to pick up the slack."

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The district has tried to recruit through job fairs and social media.

"What a lot of people are finding throughout America in this current labor shortage is it really doesn't matter what you're offering. The people just don't seem to be there applying for the positions."

This happens while Mustang offers a competitive salary and paid healthcare.

"It's really critical we fill those positions, and give our kids the best experience and best education possible."

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