Anyone here work for the public school system?

[Arkitech]

I've been contemplating moving to part time work for awhile now, but I was wondering about the school systems. Since the students are out of school over, spring, summer and christmas breaks I wanted to know if that applies to other employees outside of the teachers. For example would IT personnel have similar off days? How does the pay in the school systems compare to that of the private sector? Is it harder to get a postion in the school system?


thanks for any info

 

[Jzero]

Generally IT positions are 12-month (most administrative positions are, actually). You will have off during spring break and winter break, plus nat'l holidays, Jewish holidays, etc. You will also get vacation days, sick days and personal days in addition to these days. So you still get a lot of time off, just not the whole summer.
Around here (NJ), the pay seems to be comparable to similar private positions.
The competition for the positions seems VERY fierce. Of the recruiters I've spoken to, 40+ people have applied even for entry-level help desk-type jobs.

 

[virtuamike]

I work IT for UCD, I guess we're technically still considered public. Used to think that I'd be able to make $15-20k more working private sector but that was before the bubble burst. Our new hires are happy just to have a job at this point. 12 months a year but we get university and national holidays off so it's not too bad.

 

[PingSpike]

Damn, is it really that heard to get a job with the public school system? What about university/higher education? I've applied for two help desk positions which I felt I was plenty qualified for and haven't heard back from. At least not yet anyway.

Thats where I want to be so that sucks. I like jobs with the schools, its where I started and where I'd like to stay.