RUMFORD – The only two teaching positions remaining unfilled by Wednesday’s opening date seem to be following a statewide trend.

Superintendent Jim Hodgkin said 160 or so professional slots have been filled with permanent teachers. However, the need for a speech clinician remains open. The other open position, that of a biology teacher at Mountain Valley High School, has been temporarily filled with a long-term substitute, he said.

He said the long-term substitute for the high school biology position, Anne Morin, has received conditional certification. She may work toward certification, he added. Morin is a retired college teacher.

Existing speech-related staff will try to fill in for the needs created by the resignation of a longtime speech clinician at the end of the last school year.

“There’s a real shortage of speech clinicians,” he said. “We may have to contract out for the service. I hope not, though, because that is very expensive.”

Also still open are two special education technician slots. However, those positions are expected to be filled within the next few days, said Hodgkin.

Newly hired teachers went through orientation at the high school on Monday. The entire teaching staff will take part in the workshop today. Students attend their first day of class at all five district schools on Wednesday.