It looks like the poor economy is benefitting the school district on the hiring front.

Maurice Boswell, assistant superintendent for human resources, said today that they only have 21.5 teaching vacancies, much less than normal for this time of year. He said it's been easier this year recruiting the more than 950 new teachers hired for this school year.

If the vacancies aren't filled soon, Boswell said they'll head to Florida with employment contracts in hand. Several big Florida districts such as Broward, Dade and Orange counties have been laying off teachers due to declining enrollment.

Yesterday, Don Haydon, chief facilities and operations officer, said they only have 20 bus driver vacancies. They normally have around 80 openings this time of year.

With traditional-calendar schools opening in just a few days, the school district is again trying to reassure parents of young bus riders that their kids will be safe.

In a new memorandum to Superintendent Del Burns, Chief Facilities and Operations Officer Don Haydon lists the steps that are being taken to avoid a repeat of last month's bus miscues with young children.

For instance, Haydon said bus drivers are being reminded that they're to take children to school even if they get on the wrong bus. Once at the nearest school, they'll figure out how to get the child to the right school.