The Grand Forks School Board unanimously approved hiring between 16 and 20 educators Monday to help the district provide better coverage in areas such as special education.
Several of the educators are elementary teachers who were added because of enrollment growth expected next year.
The total cost is estimated to be between $788,500 and $1.1 million, according to finance committee documents.
The board approved to hire the employees "with the assurance administrators will only hire if absolutely necessary," Chairman Doug Carpenter said. Board member Ward Johnson was absent from the vote.
Assistant Superintendent Jody Thompson said the number provides him some flexibility. Administrators can hire fewer educators if enrollment numbers change, and he is confident no more than 20 educators are necessary, he said.
"We try to be as fiscally responsible as we can," Thompson said.
