WAYNE - The 2012-2013 school year is in full swing for most, but for some students in a sophomore chemistry class at Wayne Valley High School it appears to be at an impasse where students are still without a full-time teacher.

It seems the district is in the process of hiring a new teacher after a candidate they had chosen for an unknown reason withdrew their name. Officials say the search started in June upon learning that the current teacher was taking maternity leave starting Sept. 1. And since that time, a substitute has been filling in, but has not been doing a sufficient job according to one parent.

"The substitute told my son's class that he cannot teach them chemistry as he is not a chemistry teacher. He was also told by the substitute that the teacher would not be returning for five or six months. The kids are being baby-sat, not taught," parent Lisa Rosen told Wayne Today.

Despite what's being reported, according to Superintendent Ray Gonzalez, there is curriculum in place for all courses and is readily available for substitutes.

"Administrators are actively involved in managing the situation," Gonzalez said in a statement, "to ensure that the students' learning experience is supported."

WVHS Principal Robert Reis, via a committee, will be reviewing resumes and conducting interviews, and present who he feels is the best suited candidate to the superintendent.

"This must be fixed immediately. My child's education is at stake. While other students are learning chemistry, my child is sitting in his class and twiddling his thumbs. Chemistry is not an extra-curricular activity," Rosen said.

Gonzalez, in addition, encourages district parents or guardians with questions about development within the school system to reach out to the building principal, who will provide reassurance that their child's educational interests are being addressed.

Rosen added, "Wayne used to be known for its fine educational system. This is something a 'PR' firm cannot fix."

Email: wintersd@northjersey.com

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Valley chemistry students are without full-time teacher