The three bucks of education - reading, writing and the 'rhythmetic' - are linked to a fourth: recruitment.
A chronic shortage of staff is forcing Downriver school officials to employ a variety of tactics to attract staff, from teachers to bus drivers to classroom colleagues and support staff.
It is part of a local, state and national problem in which teachers and administrators are looking for workers far and wide. The COVID pandemic, a volatile labor market and pre-existing staff shortages in key areas have led to the closure of the school's work schedule.
Teacher recruitment and retention has been described by Michigan's top education official as the state's most pressing challenge.
“We need to work to fund key teacher recruitment and retention efforts,” State Deputy. Michael Rice told the State Board of Education in November.
In late December, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed HB 4294 into law, which allows non-certified school personnel — such as paraprofessionals and secretaries — to serve as substitute teachers during the entire 2021-2022 school year. .
"The pandemic has been challenging for our children, teachers and parents, and our teachers have gone above and beyond to ensure the future of Michigan's children," Whitmer said. “Allowing schools to employ school staff, whom students know as alternative teachers, will help keep school doors open and help students learn in the classroom for the remainder of the school year. I am committed to working with the Legislature to develop high-quality solutions to address these long-term staff shortages so that we can ensure that every child is able to receive a quality education.
Downriver school leaders say the staff shortage extends beyond the classroom, to all school functions. Short- and long-term approaches to mitigating the crisis include wage increases, limited and scattered programmes, teacher recruitment initiatives and volunteering among existing staff.
"Staff shortages have certainly affected the area's school districts," said Huron School District superintendent Donovan Rowe. "Staff shortage has exhausted our substitute staffing resources to the maximum."
Downriver school districts have responded with a variety of initiatives and solutions. among themselves:
• Taylor High School was closed on Friday due to shortages. Griff Mills, the superintendent of the 5,500-student district, said the action was a "last resort".
• Allen Park Public Schools recently raised $150 per day (from $90) for the daily option and $200 for the long-term option (from $100) for substitute teachers.
• The Lincoln Park and Woodhaven-Brownstown districts received state-administered grants to help students find careers in education. Hope: To develop a kind of grow-your-own pipeline of teachers of the future.
• Districts across the region have cut back on some less essential programs. For example, Allen Park canceled some so-called elementary school "classroom specials"—such as arts, music, gyms, and library media—so that those teachers could be used in core curriculum classrooms.
• Districts have also turned to existing teachers and other staff to address the staff shortage. "We are very fortunate to have a caring staff with a 'pitch in' approach," said Allen Park School Sup. Michael Darga said. The 3,691 student district purchased a transport van - much smaller than a school bus - so that coaches could take small teams to events.
• Across the region, schools are encouraging retired teachers to return to the classroom. The state's "Welcome Back Proud Michigan Educator" offers discounts and an accelerated path to former teachers hoping to become recertified. In the spring, the Michigan Department of Education sent thousands of postcards recruiting teachers whose certifications have expired.
• Districts are also expanding relationships and partnerships with colleges and universities to attract student teachers.
"It's a difficult situation to manage," said Taylor Mills. “We know it takes a toll on our employees. We're looking at things we can do to help our employees decompress and take a little time for themselves."
To that end, he said, the district paid employees before Thanksgiving to "show our teachers and staff that we truly appreciate all the work they are doing."
Allen Park's Darga said that instructional and non-instructional paraprofessionals "are pitching wherever they can and our substitute staff are rock stars."