While friends compare papers to see what classes they have together, others stand wondering what “STAFF” means as the perplexing word appears next to one or more of their classes.

Many students were found having this problem which brought confusion and lots of questioning.

“When I looked at my schedule and saw the word “STAFF”, my first reaction was why?” said junior Claire Lee.

The main office was assigned the task of finding substitutes for every classroom that did not have a teacher.

“I was told the Friday before school started, but I was glad that this was going to be a long job so I didn’t have to worry day-to-day,” said substitute teacher James Roberts.

This scarcity of permanently contracted teachers by the school district did not only negatively impact the students, but also put stress on the substitutes.

Mr. Roberts is now teaching Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Physics classes,  which would cause one to think he has a degree in science; however, he has a Law Degree.

“I’d be a lot more helpful in a different subject, but I still feel like I can help the students because I’m picking it up as I go,” said Roberts.

Multiple students, like Lee, are forced to work harder and seek help from other teachers to maintain a good grade in classes taught by “staff.” Sophomore Trey Smith was another student that faced this predicament.

“I was expecting Mrs. Brown, and when I walked into Theater, it was Ms. Bracket,” said Smith.

In this scenario, a long term substitute teacher was hired last minute because Mrs. Brown actually went into labor on the first day of school. In this case it turned out positively.

“I think she’s a good sub. She knows how to act and she teaches well.” said Smith.

The upcoming sophomore class is the largest student body that we’ve had for one grade. More students means more teachers are needed.

“I feel like I’m going to have try harder this year to get an A than I would have with an actual teacher,” said Lee.

It is said that the reason for the insufficient number of teachers this year is due to the fact that extra teachers were not to be hired until each student had officially enrolled and the need was confirmed.

By this time, the new teachers’ contracts didn’t t start until at least October, leaving only one option; to fill their places by hiring the best substitutes possible for each position.

These substitutes will stay in their classes until a new teacher is hired and the new teacher’s contract starts.