By susan rumble

Special to The Press

Parkland School District Director of Human Resources Pamela Kelly introduced 86 new teachers to the board through a virtual format due to COVID-19 precautions.

The group of new employees covers the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years.

Kelly thanked the board for providing the support and resources which enable Parkland to attract top talent through the high reputation of the school district.

She said more than 500 applications were received from prospective teachers, and 400 interviews were conducted by administrative staff.

The new professional employees graduated from 34 different colleges and represent 26 subject areas in the district.

Forty percent already have earned advanced degrees.

Kelly said the new staffers have had a wide range of experiences and come to the district from many different places.

Some of them are graduates of Parkland High School.

The new personnel include teachers, administrators and individuals who fill vacancies to cover leaves of absence for those who are temporarily off due to personal requests.

Superintendent Dr. Mark Madson commented on the new employees.

“We’re excited these individuals have decided to join us in the Parkland family,” Madson said.