PORT NECHES — An increase in students is leading officials with Port Neches-Groves Independent School District to look into creating a new job position as well as adding personnel.

Board members will consider approval of the position of assistant superintendent for student services during the 7 p.m. meeting on Tuesday at West Groves Education Center in Groves.

Mike Gonzales, assistant superintendent for administrative services, said the new job position is more about creating a new title and not a new job.

The new assistant superintendent for student services will manage the alternative education program, deal with residency, act as liaison for homeless and work with truancy.

“Dr. (Rodney) Cavness first wants to see if the board wants this position to exist and if he gets the board’s ok he will then work on how to fill the position,” Gonzales said.

Trustees with PN-GISD will also consider approval for new positions for the 2016-2017 school year. The special education department is requesting a diagnostician, life skills teacher and aid and Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities teacher and aide. Port Neches Middle School is seeking an inclusion aide and math teacher; Groves and Port Neches elementary schools are looking to add a teacher and West groves education Center is looking to add an English as Second Language traveling teacher.

Gonzales said PN-GISD is seeing an increase in its enrollment. The district has, in the past, requested waivers from the Texas Education Agency to go above the 22-1 ratio required for kindergarten through fourth grades.

“We have quite a few classrooms that exceed the 22-1 ratio but it’s also because of the facilities,” he said.

In some cases there is the need to hire a teacher but no room at the particular facility, he added.

Other agenda items include:

• Consider approval of a resolution delegating authority to the superintendent to enter into professional employment contracts during summer months.
  • Superintendent’s report — update on teacher and principal pilot program
• Consider approval of a Pre-K waiver for the 2016-2017 school year.
• Consider nominating a replacement for Jefferson County Appraisal District Board of Directors for the remaining portion of 20167-2017 term due to the resignation of C.L. Sherman.