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By Mike Barnhardt

Enterprise Record

You’ve probably seen Jinda Haynes riding in a local parade.

She’s the one inside the miniature contraption painted like a Davie County Schools bus.

And while parades are always fun, there was a purpose.

The assistant superintendent was looking for employees. Flyers were handed out from that bus describing job opportunities in the Davie County School System.

Along with staff from just about every school, time has been spent recruiting employees to serve as teachers and bus drivers, as custodians and cafeteria workers.

The plan is working, Superintendent Jeff Wallace told members of the board of education earlier this month.

As school opens for the expected 6,000 or so students in the school system on Monday morning, most staff positions have been filled.

“We’re very, very fortunate,” Wallace said, adding that other school systems are considering canceling classes, closing schools and giving teachers 50 or more students in a single classroom.

That isn’t happening in Davie County.

Even for the few jobs that haven’t been filled, school administrators are recruiting retired personnel to fill those positions until permanent employees are hired.

Wallace said the schools have been full speed ahead since the beginning of August, getting ready for students. The late start allows for staff training and professional development, keys in achieving student success, he said.

“We’re making sure the culture in our schools and the culture in our district is conducive for trust in our staff, and making sure we’re staying focused on learning.”

Another focus over the summer was school safety, Wallace said.

“We have spent an ample amount of time this summer revisiting our plans … to update our safety plans for each school,” he said. Exercises have been conducted, and front office personnel in the schools have also received training on how to react to safety concerns, he said.

“We’re trying to do everything we can; but as you know, it takes all of us as the eyes and ears out there. If you see something unusual, say something about that.”