HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As the school year approaches, many districts are facing a shortage of teachers. While it has usually been a problem in the upper classes, mainly high school, it is becoming a more serious problem in elementary schools.

That’s the case in Hutchinson USD 308. Human Resources Director Rick Kraus says the school is short 10 positions as the year approaches. Kraus says it is a statewide problem:

 

 

Kraus says the district, like others, is not waiting around for teachers to come to it. The district is actively pursuing potential teachers before they graduate college:

 

If the district is short some teaching positions, Kraus says backup plans are in place:

 

Of the 10 teaching vacancies in the district, eight of them are at the elementary level.