ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester City School District is dealing with a sizeable staffing shortage as it heads into the school year, according to Rochester Teacher's Association President Adam Urbanski.

Urbanski says there are currently 385 unfilled teaching vacancies.

The union president says nearly 190 teachers resigned in the last year, and that number does not include teachers who have decided to retire.

The shortage comes as the RTA and the district continue negotiations on a new contract.

Urbanski says the union has declared an impasse and has requested the involvement of the New York State Public Employment Board.

District officials responded by saying they understand the RTA has a legal right to file a declaration of impasse with the public employment board, and said they hope RTA leaders will continue to negotiate until there is an agreement.

The school district also shared that it is actively hiring for the impending school year.

The district is hosting weekly recruitment events for teachers, para-professionals, teaching assistants and clerical staff.

“Staffing is a real challenge, and we want people to see themselves here in the District,” RCSD Chief of Human Capital Christopher Miller said in a statement. “It is extremely rewarding to have an impact on the lives of children in a school community. These recruitment events give people opportunities to step forward and serve their community while receiving excellent benefits.”

The district says after two on-the-spot hiring events in the past week, the RCSD has met with 112 candidates and made 70 job offers.  

For more information on dates and locations, you can visit the district's website.