Richland 2 may have 400 teacher openings next year. Here’s what’s being done to fill them
Richland School District 2 already has 160 open teacher positions. Projections for the upcoming fall semester bring that number up to 400.
The district, which is the largest in the Midlands and one of the top employers in Richland County, is devising a solution to the “unprecedented” shortage.
The Richland 2 board approved $3,000 hiring bonuses for certified teachers. It will be implemented for teachers who begin in the 2023-2024 school year.
“Retention and recruitment have got to be a priority,” Nancy Gregory, the district’s interim superintendent, said at the March 28 board meeting.
Money for the bonuses is coming from unused funds from the 2021-2022 fiscal year.
The bonus is the largest among Midlands districts, according to a district news release. It’s meant to make the district more competitive for potential employees.
Richland 1 offers a $2,000 hiring bonus and Lexington-Richland 5 offers a $2,500 hiring bonus. Lexington 1 is offering $2,500 to specific types of teachers that are critically needed.
Other classified staff at Richland 2, like bus drivers and teaching assistants, will receive $1,500 hiring bonuses.
This story was originally published April 6, 2023 at 9:00 AM.
