New band teacher hired

The Staunton Board of Education held a special meeting on Monday, Aug. 8. The primary purpose of the meeting was to handle employment matters in advance of the start of school on Aug. 17.

The board accepted the resignation of Lori Moore as a bus driver. Kaitlyn Troeckler was hired as a high school resource paraprofessional.

Brian Lotter was internally transferred to the position of part-time junior high rotation teacher/part-time elementary dean of students. Lotter served the district for 10 years as band director, and he is excited to begin his role as dean of students for Staunton Elementary School. "I am looking forward to the start of the school year and am thrilled to have the opportunity to support students and staff in this capacity."

Due to this transfer, Charles Prager was hired to fill the 5th-12th grade band teacher position. Prager comes to Staunton with five years experience and is excited to join the Staunton team.

Additionally, the board approved a memorandum of understanding with the union to add an elementary dean of students position stipend to the collective bargaining agreement.

Also, to ensure Staunton is competitive in today's market, the board approved an increase in daily compensation for substitute teachers and paraprofessionals. Individuals who hold a professional educator license will be compensated at a rate of $130. If someone holds a substitute teaching license, he or she will receive $120 per day. And, if an individual holds his or her paraprofessional license, the compensation rate is $100 per day.