I am unsure about the title but after staring at a blank page for admittedly far too long, I figured I needed to call this column something. That “something” is my perspective as the school superintendent for the Big Sandy Pioneers. My intent in writing this column is to share my perspective and insight into our school district and the profession that is education. For better or worse, here goes “something.”
I’m writing this to you from Helena, Montana where I am attending the annual SAM(School Administrators of Montana) Administrators Institute. Seemingly, the absolute hottest topic, by way of having multiple break out sessions throughout the conference, is recruiting. In my experience as a school superintendent, I have never seen as many teaching positions open at this time in the hiring season as there are currently and that is inclusive of every grade level and every content area from elementary education to special education and everything in between. Maybe the best way I can describe it is to call it ultra competitive. So much so that school superintendents like myself are competing with one another like never before to recruit the same applicants due to the lack of teachers coming into the profession, which is being compounded by those that are leaving the profession. No matter how the rest of the hiring season goes for Montana schools, there will undoubtedly be teaching and support staff openings that will remain open throughout our great state, even after the first school bells begin to ring this fall.
I am pleased to inform the public that we have filled the following positions: Assistant Cook, Janitor, 2nd Grade, and Secondary Art. We have made great strides recently in casting a wider net in trying to attract additional applicants and have gone beyond what is traditionally done in posting positions. Time will tell but I remain hopeful and will continue to do my best to staff our schools as your superintendent. That being said, we still have the following open positions that we need to fill: Secondary Special Education, Secondary English, Paraprofessional Educator, Concessions Manager, and Bus Drivers.
I am asking and inviting the public to consider working for the betterment of our schools and the educational opportunities that we are able to provide our students. If you are interested in applying for any of our open positions, or know of someone who would be a great addition to our team, please reach out. You can find application materials on our website and you are free to call me directly at (406) 378-3403 or simply stop by the office so that we may have a cup of coffee and discuss how we can work together for the betterment of our amazing students. I can assure you from personal experience that it may prove to be one of the most rewarding jobs you will ever have.
Until Next Time,
Dan Schrock
Big Sandy School District
Superintendent
