Multiple US School Districts Seek Staff Ahead New Year

As the 2025-26 school year approaches, multiple school districts across the U.S. are actively seeking to fill various staff positions to address staffing shortages. Alpena Public Schools in Michigan is recruiting bus drivers, custodians, food service workers, and instructional assistants, alongside over 30 new teachers, with the school year beginning on August 25. Similarly, Escalon Unified School District has welcomed several new staff members and conducted orientation sessions ahead of its August 7 start. The Chester School District in New Jersey is also hiring for multiple roles, including substitute teachers and food service staff, with classes starting September 4. In Wisconsin, teacher shortages persist despite many entering preparation programs, partly due to retention challenges; however, initiatives like the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Teacher Pledge program are helping by covering graduate education costs in exchange for a teaching commitment, making the profession more viable for newcomers. These efforts reflect a nationwide push to recruit and retain educators and support staff to ensure schools are ready for the new academic year.