Despite fewer jobs as a result of school consolidations, teacher vacancies are still a huge issue both locally and on a national level. Our news partners at Eyewitness News said there were at least 21 school consolidations in West Virginia last school year, but there are still many open teaching positions, especially in special education. About 20% of Braxton County students will start the year with an uncertified teacher. Those are filled by long-term substitutes, but the problem is state-wide. According to the West Virginia State Board of Education, there are more than 1,000 job openings. The most positions needed are hourly employees at more than 200. Those jobs consist of coaches, tutors and after-school workers.