Mars Area School Board members and administrators called attention to an ongoing support staff shortage at a finance and budget meeting Monday night.

The district is currently down 17 paraprofessional staff positions and eight custodial maintenance positions. The district currently offers paraprofessionals and maintenance workers starting pay rates of $13.75 per hour, and custodians $13 per hour.

District superintendent Mark Gross said the staffing shortage situation, especially with custodial staff, is at a critical point, and added he has considered looking into outside assistance for existing support staff. He said hourly wages and benefits may both be contributing to the shortage.

“I know other districts are struggling, but we are struggling exponentially greater,” Gross said. “We’re at a critical stage right now; I’m brainstorming ideas of what we can possibly do to get us through these next couple months. We’re in a critical state — we don’t have any applicants. Our existing staff is extremely overworked and tired.”

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