Douglas County School District Superintendent Keith Lewis, Transportation Director Mark Rhodes, Nutritional Services Assistant Director Melissa McKenny, Executive Director Joe Girdner and Facility Supervisor Bill Blumenthel at Douglas High School during the Douglas County School District job fair Wednesday.
Photo by Sarah Drinkwine.
Douglas County School District hosted a job fair at Douglas High School on Wednesday for the “backbone positions” before school starts on Aug. 22.
“We’re in the kid business, that’s what it’s all about,” said Facility Supervisor Bill Blumenthel.
Douglas County School District Executive Director Joe Girdner said there are 11 classified positions open district wide in custodial, maintenance and grounds, secretaries, nutritional services, bus drivers, substitute teachers and more.
“These are the positions that keep our schools running,” said Girdner.
The bus drivers provide transportation for students to and from school.
“We are the first person they (students) see and the last person they see during their day,” said bus driver Ashley Touchin. “It’s a great way to serve your community and be an influence in a child’s life.”
Once students arrive at school, they have to eat and the nutritional staff is there to provide breakfast and lunch, which is now free districtwide, said Nutritional Services Director Jordy Foster.
“We pride ourselves in nutritious meals and encouraging good eating habits, “she said. “We all know students do better and learn more when they have a full stomach and it’s rewarding to be able to serve the community, but most importantly the students and help them start their days off right.”
Before, during, after school and even when school is not in session, the facilities still require maintenance and cleaning and that’s the job of the custodial, maintenance and grounds departments.
Substitutes are another important and valued position.
“We will forever and always need substitutes,” said Girdner. “In the event a teacher is out with an illness that requires a long-term sub or a teacher has a cough and we need one for a day. That goes for bus drivers too. If we don’t have teachers or drivers, school can’t go on.”
Substitutes are not only needed in the class room or on the bus, but the nutritional services department could use the “back-up” help too, said Foster. Other positons in playgrounds aids and special education are also in need of substitutes.
“If we don’t have a substitute available for the schools then we can’t go on, we rely on them when teachers have to be out,” said Girdner.
One of the best benefits of being an employee of the school district in these classified positions is the flexibility, said representatives from each department.
Touchin said as a bus driver, she is able to drive the bus and still be active at home with her family.
“I get to spend a good time at home without missing out and I get summers off and paid,” she said.
And substitute teachers chose the “3 w’s” when it comes to their schedule; who to sub for, what subject, where or which school throughout the school district.
The other benefit is the community.
“The culture of working for the school is awesome,” said Blumenthel. “Everyone comes together and I think that’s one of the things that makes the district stand out and makes it a great place to work.”
All positions receive training and benefits including, full pay, medical, vision and dental. Plus, holiday and sick time. For more information visit www.dcsd.k12.nv.us
“To apply and see the list of available positions, go to the website and in big flashing neon, it says click for jobs. You can’t miss it,” said Girdner. “We hope for a positive turn out and to fill these positions. We appreciate everyone who has come out to support us.”
