AIM Magazine 2016 | Page 7

The Springdale School District plays a dual role in the city ’ s workforce . It is not only the city ’ s second-largest employer ; it also plays a vital role in educating and training people who will enter the workforce .
Springdale is the second-largest school district in the state with four high schools , four junior highs , four middle schools , 18 elementary schools and a pre-K center . The district employs more than 2,700 people to serve its students .
Of those employees , 1,665 are certified employees who teach or are administrators . Certified employees are required to have a college degree and other certifications ; however , career opportunities with the school district go beyond teachers and principals . with the school district go beyond teachers and principals .
More than a thousand other employees help keep the schools running , transport students to and from school , keep records and perform other vital tasks . Those jobs include maintenance technicians , migrant records clerks , warehouse employees , transportation mechanics , secretaries , classroom assistants , computer lab assistants , occupational therapy assistants , bus drivers , hundreds of substitute teachers , custodians , and cafeteria workers .
Those positions do not require a college degree , but some may pay more if you have one . Employees in those positions receive raises each year with the additional experience , according to the school district . Exceptional employees can work their way up to become supervisors .
One benefit of working for the school district is scheduling . Some of the positions require employees to work year-round , while others have the summer off . Usually , if the position deals directly with students or provides a service to them , such as cafeteria workers , the employment contract is for the school year only . Some positions , such as bus drivers and cafeteria workers are also part-time , which make them a good option for people who need more flexible schedules .
Most school district employees must have a physical examination every other year , a tuberculosis skin test , be fingerprinted , and take a drug test . Newly hired employees will have a criminal background check . Some employees must also meet other requirements .
Bus drivers must have a commercial driver ’ s license . Substitute teacher must be at least 21 years old , have a high school diploma or GED and pass a background check . They also must attend a substitute teaching workshop . Substitute teachers are paid according to their qualifications , with the pay rate increasing for those with a college degree . Substitute teachers who have a teaching certificate earn even more .
Springdale Public Schools offers some of the highest pay rates of any school district in the state . The amount employees can make follows a salary schedule set by 5 the school board which can be