Dickinson schools feeling anxiety about hiring

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Approximately 79 million babies were born in the United States between 1946 to 64 and have been identified as the Baby Boom generation.

Baby boomers comprise approximately 25 percent of the population of the United States and about 33 percent of the work force in the United States.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the median age of the United States population increased from 32.9 years of age in 1990 to 37.2 years of age in 2010.

The increase in median age is attributed to the increasing age of the Baby Boom generation as the first baby boomers turned 65 years old in 2011 and began to consider retirement.

As the baby boom generation continues to age the number of individuals looking to retire and/or pursue other opportunities will also continue to increase. This phenomenon is not only impacting the nation, but the Dickinson Public Schools,.

Last school year, the school district experienced 10 resignations or retirements from the school staff. Two of these were in the classified staff category and eight were in the certified staff category.

The number of years of experience departing the school district in the classified category was 27 and in the certified category the number of years of experience was 212.

This school year the district received 17 resignations/retirements from certified personnel, representing 415 years of experience in the school district. Further, there are three additional teaching positions being added for next school year due to the increasing enrollment in the kindergarten to six-grade levels. This brings the total number of certified positions that need to be filled for next school year to 20.

We are uncertain how many classified personnel may ultimately be resigning and/or retiring this school year as these notifications generally arrive in the next few weeks.

When these statistics are combined with the current housing situation in the community, it is safe to say there is some anxiety in the school district about this hiring season.

The number of positions that need to be filled so far represents a daunting task in itself.

Finding suitable and affordable housing for these individuals further complicates the hiring process.

As an example, last school year, two individuals declined positions because it was not financially feasible for them to relocate.

The district utilizes strong and aggressive measures for the recruitment of personnel to the school district. We approach this hiring season with cautious optimism and know we will need to be efficient in finding appropriate and suitable applicants for these positions.

Reach Sullivan, Dickinson Public Schools superintendent, at 701-456-0002 or douglas.sullivan@dickinson.k12.nd.us.

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