School district to boost roster of substitutes

The first substitute employee job fair was productive for Greencastle-Antrim School District. Over 50 people attended, interested in getting on the call list for last minute help as a teacher, cafeteria worker, van driver, nurse, or aide in the classroom, at recess or on the bus.

The event was held at the elementary school July 31. Administrators or department directors interviewed applicants for teaching and aide positions, transportation and food service jobs.

“We have a real need for substitutes,” said human resources director Tina Clever. “We thought we’d try something different.”

During her former career at Citicorp, job fairs were frequent and successful in drawing a pool of qualified candidates.

“We’re very pleased with the turnout,” Clever said. “I couldn’t be happier.”

April Smith waited her turn to talk to the various screeners. The Greencastle native lived in Hagerstown, but was at a point in her life that a job might be a good thing. She had a college degree in biology, and experience as a volunteer in her children’s school.

“I’m trying to help out the family, bring in a little income,” she said. “Maybe as an aide or in food service.”

The elementary school setting brought back childhood memories.

“I remember playing floor hockey in this cafeteria.”

People visiting the job fair ranged in age from their 20s to 60s. According to Clever, the district took pride in hiring permanent employees from the substitute list when vacancies arose. The need for teachers was ongoing, as subs from the past got hired by G-ASD or neighboring districts.

Greencastle employs 170 professionals, including teachers, school nurses and counselors. There are 13 administrators and over 110 support staff members, as well as the substitutes.