DEER PARK, AL — The Washington County School District has hired 27 new teachers for the 2026 school year.

New hires include teachers in mathematics, science, English language arts, and special education.

Recruiting and retaining teachers in rural districts remains a challenge.

The district's 16:1 student-teacher ratio is lower than the Alabama state average.

New teacher orientation includes training on the cell phone ban under the Alabama FOCUS Act.

The district operates eight schools serving approximately 2,442 students.