The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday said it will renew and hire 7,062 administrative support staff in public schools nationwide.

“Our teachers belong in the classroom, not behind paperwork. By ensuring that every school has the necessary support staff, we are taking a concrete step toward making the learning environment more focused, effective, and responsive to the needs of our students,” DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said in a statement.

The DepEd’s move is part of the teachers’ workload rationalization and removal of their administrative task in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure quality education for learners while upholding the welfare of teachers in the basic education.

The administrative support staff will be hired under a Contract of Service (CoS), with funds coming from the DepEd’s maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE).

“Compensation will be based on the prevailing regional minimum wage, multiplied by 22 working days per month. The contract also includes a 12.5 percent premium, which will be paid in tranches,” the DepEd said.

Among the functions expected from the support staff include the preparation of reports, school programs and activities coordination, and other clerical tasks given by the school head.

For renewal, incumbent administrative officers must have met the performance targets in their Terms of Reference and the Schools Division Offices’ (SDO) evaluation.

The hiring of new administrative staff will still undergo a selection process, review of credentials, and interviews.

Qualified applicants must have at least a Senior High School diploma and basic administrative skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and skills to operate basic office equipment. (PNA)