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Eighty new teachers will start at FUHSD schools
By GEORGE MOORE
The Fremont High School District hired more than 80 new teachers and welcomed them Aug. 17 at an orientation seminar.
Harry Bettencourt, director of human resources, led an informative and interactive session. Superintendent Joe Hamilton and Assistant Superintendent Pete Tuana talked to the new teachers about the importance of using technology as a tool to improve instruction. They backed up their call for using technology by presenting each teacher with a certificate for a new laptop computer to use while teaching in the district.
School district staff members presented the new hires with information on how they are working with the cities of Sunnyvale and Cupertino to develop a plan that will assist in providing affordable housing for public employees. Bettencourt said around half of the new hires are going to be looking for housing in the area.
"They're definitely concerned about the cost of housing," Bettencourt said. "The cities are working to try and establish funding so we can assist them."
Bettencourt added that he has received several phone calls from property owners who have housing available and are willing to negotiate on price if it is for a teacher.
There are a few reasons why so many teacher positions have opened up in the district. According to Bettencourt, about 33 teachers have retired; others have left due to the cost of living in the area; some went on a leaves of absence because of their health or a pregnancy; and a few were hired because of student needs.
Approximately 40 percent of the new hires are first-time teachers.
Bettencourt said that last July he asked the Cupertino and Sunnyvale chambers of commerce to contact local businesses and request donations for the new teachers.
"The response from the business community was overwhelming," he said. He received numerous donations, including dinners and gift baskets--enough for every new teacher to receive a variety of items.
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Cupertino, California Since 1947
