Hundreds show up to apply for JCPS jobs
LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - Despite recent complaints of discipline problems in Jefferson County Public Schools, hundreds of people showed up Tuesday to apply for open positions up for grabs in the district.
From bus drivers to teaching positions, a constant stream of applicants turned up for the job fair at the JCPS VanHoose Education Center.
Good benefits was one reason cited, other applicants said they want to be a part of making change for the school district. Would-be bus drivers applying with JCPS came with their eyes wide open to recent controversies.
Applicant Adrianne Winkfield said, "I've heard about everything going on and how kids are acting these days."
Another applicant, Evelyn Beasley, added, "It's a little scary because of the children aspect, some of the kids are a little unruly what I see on the news."
The women are referring to some of the discipline problems brought up by the group Dear JCPS. The group speaks anonymously for drivers, teachers and other staff members experiencing issues. The complaints were brought up at Monday night's school board meeting.
[RELATED: Letters to school board talk violence, mental health issues, out-of-control students]
One letter from a teacher read at the meeting stated, "I'm spending almost 50 percent of my time managing student behavior."
But Winkfield is staying positive and believes her personality makes her a great candidate for the job.
"I want to see what more I can do and what I can help with," she said, "I love kids and they love me so if I can help, I can do it."
Beasley, a self-described disciplinarian, is on the same bus, "The parents have got to take an active part too because those are their children, so it starts at home first."
Applicants were eager to learn about substitute and full time teaching jobs and everything from food service to housekeeping positions with interviews for some jobs on site.
JCPS HR Assistant Brandy Hatcher said of the applicants, "I believe we have more of that positive vibe where they want to be part of the change and they want to contribute and that's definitely what we need for those parents and the community that has concerns, we need them."
With teacher retirements at the end of the school year, JCPS is looking for applicants like Kate Phillips.
She said of being part of JCPS, "I would love to be a part of making sure that kids do show up every day and are ready to learn and ready to be good disciplinary kids and ready for college one day."
It's why Antonio Dilworth is back.
"Now I want to get back into what I'm good at doing," he said.
Dilworth, a former JCPS employee is applying for a teaching position and wants to work with students who have behavior issues.
He smiled and said, "Dealing with kids and helping kids get back on the right track, that's what I'm called to do."
A JCPS spokeswoman said the issues from the Dear JCPS letters are being looked at, but said issues are easier to resolve when they are detailed verses anonymous letters without school and classroom information.
Open jobs are listed year round on the JCPS website. To view the openings, click here.
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