After sifting through 700 applications and conducting 300 interviews, Parkland administrators selected 52 individuals for professional positions during the 2018-19 school year.

Director of Human Resources Pam Kelly reported at the end of September about half are long-term substitutes to fill in for teachers out on temporary absence, such as maternity or family medical leave.

The remainder are occupying vacancies created by retirements, resignations or are new positions.

Kelly noted 45 percent of the new hires have Master’s degrees or beyond.

They come from 16 different colleges or universities and will teach in 15 different subject areas.

Eight are administrators and 12 are occupying newly created teaching slots.

Superintendent Richard Sniscak commented.

“It was a busy, busy hiring season,” Sniscak said.

Kelly discussed the process.

“We start in February and continue through August,” Kelly said. “The building principals are directly involved in the hiring.

“We do paper screening, reference checking, and interviews. We are truly dedicated to finding the best people for each vacancy,” said Kelly.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Rod Troutman recalled he requested, at the spring budget seminar, 11 new teachers for 2018-19 based on enrollment trends.

He realized, however, an additional teacher would be needed due to more children than anticipated from the Spring View development.

“We got hammered at Cetronia,” Troutman said. “The children from Spring View put us over the top.

“We try to stay within the class size guidelines, and the board graciously added a staff member.”

He said district enrollment at the start of the new term was about 80 students higher than in 2017.

Troutman offered remarks relating to Parkland residents and the school district.

“We have a really good supportive family base who realize the importance of a good education,” Troutman said.

“We have terrific kids. We’re always trying to do better and push the needle a bit. We’re always looking for new programs.”

He noted the district is planning to offer a new cybersafety and security course for students which should provide lucrative job opportunities for them in the future.