BROKEN BOW- Broken Bow Public Schools Superintendent, Darren Tobey, reported that all teacher contracts have been finalized and all spots have been hired.
Darren Tobey told KCNI/KBBN and sandhillsexpress on Tuesday, June 18 that all teaching positions have been filled and contracts have been finalized as well. He even added that they made sure everyone had housing nearby.
“It sounds like everyone has a place to live so that’s good news… I don’t want them to have to drive an hour every day back and forth, so that was good,” said Tobey.
Some notable positions the school has filled are the band teacher position and the head boys’ basketball coach position.
But, Tobey stated that it has been the toughest year yet with finding teachers. Compared to years in the past, schools were receiving 25 to 30 applicants, this year schools have received two to three applicants per position. Tobey also stated that it is not just select positions that are having trouble being filled, but positions like English and math that are also having a hard time. Tobey made sure to point out that this is not only happening in Broken Bow.
“And that’s everywhere, it’s not just Broken Bow. If you look on the Teacher Nebraska website there’s still tons and tons of openings,” stated Tobey.
Tobey said that the school needs to be creative to get new teachers. He noted they need to find a better and more creative way to honor and appreciate their teachers rather than just a pay increase. He also said that when they do get new teachers, the community needs to treat them right so they want to stay.
