Orleans school officials discuss staffing shortages, reconfiguring middle school

ORLEANS, Vt. (WCAX) - The idea of a junior high is still on the table for the Orleans Central Supervisory Union. The OCSU School Board Monday got some feedback on the idea from school staff.

OCSU Superintendent Penny Chamberlain says they had a turnover of about 90 staff members last year. This has left the district struggling, particularly with grades 5-8. Many people think reconfiguring could ease the problem. Others say it is just pushing the issue off.

“If the middle-level staff are already stressed by behavioral needs -- even with the small class sizes at our current ems schools -- stress levels will certainly increase when you increase class sizes for remaining teachers,” Chamberlin said.

The school board also reviewed options for a middle school, including how many buildings and what grades to include. A staff survey shows most educators and support staff would be on board with a new school having grades 6 to 8. They hope to decide on reconfiguring by the end of February.

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