The Bainbridge Island School District is not facing the same kind of staff shortage as the North Kitsap School District.

NKSD announced last week that because of a shortage of teachers and substitutes some classrooms and even schools may have to close and go back to remote learning temporarily.

NKSD said the cause is not last week’s COVID-19 mandate from Gov. Jay Inslee as 93% of staff is vaccinated. NKSD is seeking to hire up to 25 people.

BISD officials said Monday their situation is not as dire. About 96% of staff has received COVID-19 vaccinations, and the remaining 4% either applied for and received an exemption or are in the process of completing their vaccines.

“BISD schools and/or classrooms have not been impacted by a shortage of staff due to the vaccine mandate,” an email from the district says.

However, it’s not like the BISD is overwhelmed with employees. Like most entities in the nation, they are looking for workers. The district email says they are looking for teachers, substitutes, custodians, paraeducators, bus drivers, food services and more. Go to their website at www.bisd303.org/substitutes to find out the requirements, rates of pay and additional details.

Meanwhile, a letter from NKSD superintendent Laurynn Evans says: “This will likely impact our ability to serve children in person in the coming weeks. We have been doing everything possible to ensure we have an adult in every classroom every day. We have regularly had principals, assistant principals, district-level leaders, and other staff, all of whom have critical responsibilities during a typical school day, provide classroom support. However, we are concerned that we will not be able to cover all absences and vacancies every single day. We do not want to do this, but if we cannot hire additional substitutes and staff, we may have no other option.”

Visit nkschools.org/jobs or call 360-396-3007 for more information on job openings.