Nearly 200 candidates attended the Johnston County Schools Teacher Job Fair on Saturday, April 23, at West Johnston High School.
School leaders anticipate the district will grow by 400 students next year, which is nearly the enrollment of an entire school, and personnel is needed.
Throughout the event, applicants met with principals and human resource administrators to fill upcoming vacancies created by retirement, job transfers, and the demand for more teaching staff.
According to Superintendent Dr. Ross Renfrow, the district currently has 40 vacancies, and he hopes that the job fair will allow them to fill them all.
“You can see people smiling and know relationships are being built,” said Dr. Renfrow. “The folks here today have good impression of Johnston County Schools or they wouldn’t be here.”
Chief Personnel Officer Brian Vetrano said more than 250 candidates from 13 different states registered for the event, including some from New York and Pennsylvania.
“We are taking several steps to recruit and employ the most qualified teachers,” said Vetrano. “Our students deserve the very best, and that is why held this event.”
Lindsey Dotzel, a candidate from Pennsylvania, said she had been looking several counties in North Carolina, and Johnston County really caught her eye.
“I really like the area,” said Dotzel. “The schools are great, and there is a lot going on here.”
