Dallas ISD Reduction in Force-Job Fair Scheduled For Released District Employees

• Employers who will be represented at the Job Fair
• DCC map and parking

More than 110 employers, including roughly 60 school districts, have signed up to participate in a job fair titled Destination Safe Landing for Dallas ISD employees who have been or will be released from their positions because of the district's financial crisis.

The district has worked with community and business leaders to put together the event to be held on Oct. 21 at the Dallas Convention Center. Teachers and other workers will have an opportunity to meet face to face with employers that day, with the hope that many will leave the building with job offers in hand.

In addition to those school districts attending the fair, Dallas ISD is offering teleconferences for teachers who want to interview for jobs in other school districts that will not be represented at the job fair and can schedule an appointment with the Dallas ISD Human Development office.

"We are working diligently to help every employee possible find another job either within Dallas ISD or somewhere else," said Dallas ISD Chief Human Development Officer Kimberly Olson. “This job fair has been given the title of Destination Safe Landing because the entire Dallas community has united to provide excellent employment opportunities for our dedicated and talented staff.”

Teachers and other contract employees released due to the reduction in force will keep their benefits and will be paid their full salaries by Dallas ISD until Jan. 16, 2009. The school districts Human Development Department is providing help updating resumes, polishing up on interviewing skills, reaching out to potential employers, and providing office space and web conferencing equipment to expedite the interview process.

Business, education, and community organizations from The University of Texas at Dallas to Southwest Airlines have recruiters ready to meet the qualified candidates at the Oct. 21 job fair. Many school districts in the area are also sending recruiting representatives. The event is being co-sponsored by Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas, the Dallas Regional Chamber, City of Dallas, and the United Way.

Displaced Dallas ISD employees with questions about the job fair, substitute teaching, opportunities to earn certification in critical subject areas, assistance identifying vacancies at other school districts, obtaining service records, and more can call the districts Human Development Department at (972) 925-4200 for assistance.