JCPS has largest job fair ever as district aims to fill hundreds of open positions

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Jefferson County Public Schools held a job fair Friday in Louisville, and district leaders said it was the most successful fair they've ever had.

Starting as early as 8 a.m., people lined up outside the JCPS Center for Professional Learning off Newburg Road in hopes of filling critical roles in the district before the first day of school next month.

In one of several job fairs the district has held over the course of the year, more than 400 positions need to be filled ahead of the upcoming school year. Right now, there are more than 6,000 teachers employed with the district, but there are still about 350 vacancies.

"In perspective to that 6,000 number, it is about where we have been the last few years because of the teacher shortage," Cynthia Grohmann, chief of human resources for JCPS, said Friday.

Raelin Dole showed up to the job fair wanting to teach early learning and, as a graduate of JCPS, she's ready to give back.

"Kids now, they need a good role model. They need someone who is passionate," Dole said. "JCPS has given me opportunities that I'm thankful for, and I want to be a part of that."

There are plenty of other positions open, including bus drivers, teaching assistants, maintenance and nutrition services. Leona Starks said Friday she's been in food services for 12-13 years and hopes to continue that career at JCPS.

"I'm about (99.9% sure) that I will get something with JCPS," Starks said. "I've got the energy. I hope I showed them I'm willing to work."

Outgoing Superintendent Marty Pollio said the staffing shortages would be the biggest issue JCPS will face in the years ahead. Now, the Jefferson County School Board is requiring the administration give a vacancy report every two months.

"We want to hire as many as we possibly can for all positions," Grohmann said.

A JCPS spokesperson said Friday's job fair was the largest the district has ever had with 202 people filling out more than 220 applications.

JCPS hasn't scheduled any future job fairs, but the district will continue to hire throughout the year. It typically takes about a week for applications to be processed, after which selected candidates will be called back for interviews.

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