The Proviso Township High Schools District 209 Board of Education Committee of the Whole meeting held on July 22, 2025, focused on staffing challenges and recruitment efforts within the district.

The meeting began with a discussion on the current staffing situation, highlighting a significant improvement in the number of vacancies compared to previous years. Despite this progress, the district continues to face challenges in filling certain positions, particularly in bilingual education, English as a Second Language (ESL), and mathematics.

The board acknowledged the nationwide shortage of qualified teachers in these areas, which has made recruitment efforts increasingly important. Hiring managers are actively reviewing applications and conducting interviews to find the best candidates to serve students effectively.

Several individuals were recognized for their contributions to the recruitment process. Mr. Calleres was commended for his exceptional work on enhancing EL bilingual and ESL certifications, while Ms. Schmidt and Ms. McIntosh were noted for their proactive involvement in addressing staffing needs at Proviso East. The entire Human Resources office was also praised for their dedication to resolving these challenges.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to improving staffing levels and ensuring that students have access to qualified educators, while also recognizing the ongoing difficulties in the current educational landscape. The board's efforts to address these issues will continue as they seek to enhance the quality of education within the district.