Sep 16, 2015 3 min read

WAYNESBURG – Central Greene School District has been struggling since the beginning of the year to find a learning support math teacher for the high school, raising concerns from at least one parent about how it might be affecting her children.

Heather Morris of Waynesburg told school officials at Tuesday’s school board meeting she’s worried the situation is hampering the education for her two sons in learning support.

“It’s extremely restrictive because they are in a class now with no highly qualified teacher, and they are still responsible for passing the Keystone tests,” Morris said.

Morris also said she has not seen any homework from the class and knows the certified teacher subbing is not qualified in math nor special education.

Superintendent Brian Uplinger told Morris he understands her concerns, especially because of a personal connection he has on the issue.

“My son is also in that class,” Uplinger said. “We have exhausted our current resources.”

Uplinger said the district has reached out to a number of universities and colleges, placed newspaper advertisements and has asked individuals if they know anyone who might be interested in the position.

“The problem is finding someone who has the qualifications needed for the position,” Uplinger said.

The teacher would need to be certified as a special education teacher and also have a focus of math. That combination has been hard to find, Uplinger said.

Morris offered some possible solutions of broadening the search past just the local colleges and noted Indiana University of Pennsylvania has a large number of education graduates.

“Expand your search to them,” Morris said. “I am sure they will be able to find someone who fits what we need.”

Morris said she heard the position might be filled around December, which she does not think is soon enough.

“That is unacceptable,” Morris said. “I’m just concerned about my son’s education.”

Uplinger agreed expanding the search would be something the district should look into, and if they have not contacted IUP yet, they would as soon as possible.

“We are doing everything we can to get someone in there,” Uplinger said. “We want to make sure (the students) get the best education.”

Also during the meeting, the school board passed a three-year agreement with Siemens Industry for technical support for the chiller at a cost of $14,852 and controls and other maintenance work at a cost of $28,524. This will save the district an estimated 20 percent in handling the maintenance work.

The board also appointed James Shargots as the district’s delegate to the Greene County Tax Collection Committee.