Chip Chick
In the message, the superintendent also emphasized the district’s goal of service-learning and the valuable lesson the communities’ contributions could teach their students.
The PAUSD website confirmed the superintendent’s vision on the video’s page. “We are putting out this call to action to have volunteers help in designated roles that are coordinated by PTA and school leadership.”
Hays CISD, a school in Kyle, Texas, also has staffing shortages but has taken an entirely different approach in its appeal to the local community.
They posted a substitute teacher job opening on Facebook detailing their new plan for filling in the gaps as more teachers go on sick leave. It said, “Attention Parents: Now hiring certified and eligible non-certified Guest Teachers!” They also shared additional details and application links via the school website.
But besides pairing down the educational requirements for teacher applications, it’s unclear how this plan will benefit the school’s students and staff.
One concerned community member expressed their doubt, commenting, “So instead of improving the conditions for students, teachers, and staff y’all have decided to hire scabs?”
The term “scabs” describes those who fill in for union workers when a strike happens at a business.
This person seemingly meant to convey that the school system believes its teachers are replaceable or even unworthy of accommodation under extraordinary circumstances.
Another commenter agreed, adding another question; “Is Hays CISD going to do something about retaining teachers?”
Though there are no clear solutions as the pandemic enters its third year, communities will doubtless need to form a unified vision for their future and continue coming together to support their students and schools.
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