ROSSFORD, Ohio — A new school year is continuing to bring staffing challenges for many districts across the greater Toledo area.
Rossford City Schools Superintendent Dan Creps told WTOL 11 that the hardest positions to fill are bus drivers and substitute teachers.
He said earlier this year, the district's Board of Education approved a motion to increase pay as an incentive, hoping it would help fill part- and full-time openings.
However, he said it's not enough.
"Along with (the motion) we're also starting to take a hard look at some of our positions that are for smaller timeframes within the day, and we're taking a look at how we can possibly combine those positions into full-time employment," Creps said.
Until that point, other teachers and staff have had to step up to lend a hand, filling in the gaps.
"We have had some of our other staff members step into roles they typically don't have to serve in that capacity for these roles and to make sure we keep the functioning going to the best of our ability," Creps said.
When it comes to bus drivers, teachers can't just get behind the wheel and it's been hard to find the hires the district needs.
Creps said when there are bussing issues, that usually means problems getting kids to and from school.
"We have to work very hard to offset some of the challenges we encounter. Yes, sometimes shortages ... and sometimes our routes, transportation routes, might be running behind because we might have to switch to splitting routes or doubling up routes due to that shortage," he said.
Creps said that anyone interested in filling a role is encouraged to fill out an application. To do so, click here.