School vacation has arrived and children and teachers are enjoying some well-deserved time off but that does not mean the schools are closed. Summer is the time of year when school administrators plan for the September 1st return to school. If you walk into any local school you will see custodial staff cleaning classrooms and principals interviewing candidates for a variety of school positions including teachers, secretaries, custodians, food services employees and educational technicians.

We all know that secretaries, food service employees and custodians play important roles in keeping schools running efficiently. If you are interested in becoming a public school support staff member you need to apply for authorization through the Maine Department of Education. All applicants must register for a Criminal History Record Check (CHRC) which includes a background check and fingerprint requirement. There is a processing fee for the CHRC and it takes a few weeks for the approval card to be issued by the State of Maine.

The rate of pay for custodians, secretaries, food service employees, and substitutes vary from school district to school district. In Bangor Custodians can expect to work 40 hours per week and wages start at $13.86 per hour with a benefit package. Secretaries can expect to work between 20 and 40 hours per week and wages start at $13.53 per hour and full time positions come with a benefit package. Most secretarial positions are for the school year only. Food Service employees can expect to work 3 to 6 hours per day with wages starting at $10.11 per hour. Full time positions come with a benefit package and summers off. If you are interested in part-time employment and a more flexible schedule, you might consider applying to be a substitute. All positions require a Criminal History Record Check.

School principals are reviewing applications now for fall vacancies. If you like children and enjoy being in an educational environment consider pursuing employment as a school support staff member. Be sure to start the authorization process now. The CHRC process completed by the Maine Department of Education may take 4 to 6 weeks. Information about vacant positions available through the Bangor School Department can be found on our employment page.

For more information about obtaining a Criminal History Record Check authorization card please visit the Maine Department of Education website.

By Patti Rapaport, Director of Pupil Services for the Bangor School Department.