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A recent study from the Center for Education Data and Research has revealed alarming results regarding school staffing shortages impacting 98% of students in Washington state. Wealthier districts, like Mercer Island—where home prices approach $2 million—have successfully filled 98% of their support staff roles. In contrast, Tukwila, a district with a student population of 2,800, comprising predominantly BIPOC and low-income students, continues to search for essential staff, including an extra cafeteria worker, additional bus drivers, and paraeducators, even two months into the school year. While staffing issues affect many districts in the aftermath of the pandemic, the consequences are particularly severe for economically disadvantaged areas.
In Tukwila, district administrators have taken on the roles of substitute teachers, with transportation staff even driving buses—a position typically confined to desks. “This year’s staffing shortages feel more acute than in previous years,” remarked Tukwila’s Human Resources Director, Alex Thompson, attributing this to “an unusually high number of retirements.” Meanwhile, in wealthier districts, staffing concerns seem less pressing. The HR Director from Mercer County School District expressed confidence in their staffing levels, saying, “We’re doing pretty well.”
The Pattern of Disparity in Staffing Shortages
The study highlighted that poorer districts are in dire need of paraeducators and transportation workers at rates approximately two to three times higher than their wealthier counterparts. They also struggle to hire teachers for English language learners, nurses, janitors, and special educators—key personnel critical for helping students recover from the pandemic. The disparities become evident when considering that many teachers are forced to cover multiple roles, often sacrificing their lunch breaks to supervise students or drive school buses. An EdWeek survey revealed that 40% of district leaders and principals describe their staffing shortages as “severe” or “very severe.” With 77% unable to find sufficient substitute teachers, the burden on current educators grows heavier.
In North Carolina, some applicants have reported they could earn significantly more working at fast-food chains than in the classroom. One first-grade teacher in Denver lamented the lack of support from lunch monitors and substitutes. “The mental health and academic needs are so high right now; it’s an unsustainable system for teachers,” said Maria Jenkins. “I’m unsure how we can continue like this.” In fact, Denver Public Schools currently have 1,360 vacancies, including 700 substitute positions and 400 paraprofessionals.
Cuts to Special Services and Increased Disparities
In Oregon, staffing shortages have led to the cancellation of life skills classes for students with cognitive disabilities, a clear violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Evanston/Skokie School District near Chicago has even had to close due to insufficient staffing, with insiders suggesting that the number of affected students is substantially greater than the 4,120 open positions reported. “The shortages are exacerbating existing disparities,” noted education economist Dan Goldhaber from the University of Washington.
Parents in wealthier districts often enjoy better access to special education resources, while those in urban or impoverished rural areas face tough challenges. One administrator in Oregon mentioned, “The Student Success Act gave us funds for more counselors, but we can’t find them.”
Ultimately, affluent districts attract staff more easily, as they are perceived to have better working conditions, well-behaved students, and more engaged parents. Conversely, poorer districts face staffing shortages and increased workloads, perpetuating a cycle of inequity. The pandemic has significantly impacted schools, and as these staffing shortages persist, their effects will continue to be felt for years to come.
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Summary:
School staffing shortages are disproportionately affecting economically disadvantaged districts, with wealthier areas faring much better in filling positions. The gaps in staffing are leading to increased burdens on current teachers and cuts to essential services like special education. This situation highlights the existing inequalities in education, which have been exacerbated by the pandemic.