ARNOLD, Mo. — It's been six weeks since school started, and a staff shortage is preventing FOX C-6 School District from working as efficiently as it can.
Currently, there are at least 33 job listings on the district website.
FOX C-6 has openings in transportation, food service, special education, Character Kids Club, maintenance, custodial and other departments.
The district held a Support Staff Recruitment Fair Tuesday evening to help fill those positions. Job seekers could apply for open positions and interview on the spot.
One of the most publicized nationwide shortages is the one for school bus drivers.
“I’m looking forward to dealing with kids,” said Tabetha Thatcher.
Thatcher answered the call.
The south St. Louis mom applied for a bus driver position, had an on-the-spot interview and then got behind the wheel of a school bus for a test drive.
“It was pretty cool. Yeah, it’s not hard to do. The air brake system takes some getting used to, but otherwise, the bus drives smoothly,” said Thatcher.
“Custodians and bus drivers are our biggest needs, but we have needs in food service, teachers’ aides and other positions as well,” said Paul Fregeau, the Superintendent of the Fox C-6 School District.
“If you’re looking for a good place to work, I believe the school districts are very good to start with. I think you can get a lot of good experience,” said Jacqueline Allen, of south St. Louis.
Allen applied for two positions during the recruitment fair: a teacher’s aid and a food service worker.
“I mean you get off on holidays. You have summer time and they offer lots of benefits,” added Allen.
The district has multiple openings for full-time and substitute drivers posted. People who were interested in becoming drivers had the chance to get behind the wheel at Tuesday’s recruitment fair.
The event was be held at the Fox C-6 Service Center from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Bus driver applicants had the chance to test-drive a bus in the Service Center parking lot.
The district has been vocal about its driver shortage issue.
At the start of the 2022 school year, FOX C-6 officials canceled bus service for neighborhoods within one mile of all elementary schools, and within two miles of all secondary schools, because there just weren't enough drivers to fulfill the routes.
On the FOX C-6 district website, there are postings for substitute teachers, kitchen managers, and coaching positions for sports like cheerleading soccer and track.
Click here for a full list of job postings.
The district is hoping Jefferson County residents come to the fair to help fill these positions.
