Kings Local Schools administrators held the district's first teacher recruitment open house at Kings High School last week as one more way to fill teacher gaps.

        District officials mailed invitations to all of Ohio's colleges and had seven people attend the two-hour open house, said district spokeswoman Linda Oda.

        “I think you have to recruit teachers in many ways, and this is one,” said South Lebanon Elementary Principal Robin Solazzo, who helped interview prospective teachers. “It's more relaxed than an individual interview.”

        The visitors received informational packets about the district and were interviewed by several administrators. They also filled out applications.

        “These people will get a serious look as soon as we have openings,” Ms. Oda said.

        Administrators were happy to see one of the seven majored in special education, she said.

        Teacher shortages across the state are primarily in the areas of special education, math and science.

        Several of the prospective teachers will be tapped as substitutes, she said.

        Though the pool of people who attended was small, Ms. Oda said administrators were pleased.

        “(Superintendent David) Query and I said we wouldn't have been surprised if there were three or if there were 30,” she said.

        She has also received calls for information from about 20 people who have heard about the open house but could not attend, she said.

        “For that reason, we thought it was a success.”

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