A report in the Altoona Mirror indicates that the district is resorting to giving out one time bonuses in an effort to keep those workers on staff. The report says that $1000 bonuses are being handed out as incentive to stay with the district. Superintendent Betsy Baker told the mirror that the district has some 20 openings and staffing has become a challenge. The vacancies include custodial staff, two coordinators, 6 coaching positions and 10 paraprofessionals. Baker also stated that the district has a shortage of bus drivers and food service workers, and that the district has had to secure emergency permits to help cover teaching vacancies. Baker says that some employees have been recruited by other districts, or have left for higher paying jobs in other areas.
