During a recent Shawnee Mission School District (SMSD) meeting, Superintendent Dr. Schumacher highlighted the district's commitment to fostering a sense of belonging among students and staff through initiatives like \"Read Across SMSD.\" This program aims to ensure that all students have access to reading materials in their school libraries, reinforcing the district's inclusive culture.

The meeting transitioned to a comprehensive update from the Human Resources team, led by Dr. Higgins. He emphasized the importance of recruiting, supporting, and retaining talented educators as essential to student success. The HR team presented their updated goals for the 2024-2025 school year, focusing on improving retention rates, enhancing staff diversity, and addressing vacancies.

Notably, SMSD was recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of the best employers in Kansas for 2024, ranking 12th overall and second among school districts. This accolade reflects the district's efforts to create a positive employee experience and retain top talent.

The HR presentation also included demographic data on staff diversity, revealing both progress and areas needing improvement. While there were slight declines in the number of American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Black certified staff, increases were noted in Asian Pacific Islander, Hispanic, and multiracial categories. The district remains committed to enhancing its recruitment strategies to build a diverse workforce.

Looking ahead, SMSD plans to refine its retention model and expand partnerships with local universities to place student teachers in Title 1 schools, ensuring they gain valuable experience in diverse educational environments. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the educational community and support the district's mission.