The Beaufort County School Board Operations Committee convened on November 19, 2024, to discuss various initiatives aimed at enhancing teacher recruitment and retention within the district. The meeting highlighted the district's efforts to stand out in a competitive hiring landscape, particularly through innovative recruitment strategies.

The session began with a discussion led by a committee member regarding the district's recent job fairs, both virtual and in-person. The member noted that the district had access to a significant number of applicants, approximately 5,000 per day, and questioned how Beaufort County could differentiate itself from other districts also seeking to hire teachers.

Susie Lang, the district's recruiting and retention director, responded by emphasizing the benefits offered to new teachers, including comprehensive induction and mentoring support. She mentioned the use of social media to enhance the district's visibility and the implementation of early contracts to secure candidates for upcoming positions. This proactive approach aims to attract and retain talent by locking in teachers for the upcoming school year.

The conversation then shifted to a new geofencing advertising initiative, explained by Reggie, a member of the recruitment team. This program targets potential applicants by sending notifications to their mobile devices when they enter specific locations, such as retail stores. The goal is to reach educators where they are, making it easier for them to apply for positions in Beaufort County. The committee noted a successful instance where a teacher from Minnesota attended a job fair after receiving a geofencing alert while at the beach.

The meeting also addressed an increase in background checks, which rose from 369 to 462. A committee member raised concerns about this increase in relation to stagnant retention rates. Jennifer Stating, the district's risk manager, explained that the rise in background checks is partly due to the transition to a new system, Raptor, which has expanded community access and involvement. She noted that the district has seen a gradual increase in background checks as more individuals return to volunteer roles post-pandemic.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored Beaufort County's commitment to enhancing its recruitment strategies through innovative methods and community engagement. The district aims to continue improving its hiring processes while addressing the challenges of teacher retention in a competitive educational environment. Further discussions and follow-up actions are expected as the committee continues to refine its approach to staffing and support for educators.