Greece Central School District prioritizes recruitment and retention strategies for educators

The Greece Central School District (GCSD) Board of Education meeting on March 18, 2025, focused on recruitment, hiring, and retention strategies within the district's Human Resources Department. Superintendent Smalley introduced Ms. Gina Larson and her team, who presented key initiatives aimed at addressing the ongoing teacher shortage and improving staff retention.

The Human Resources Department, consisting of 16 members, manages recruitment and benefits for approximately 3,200 employees and 600 retirees. Larson highlighted the department's efforts to enhance recruitment through various initiatives, including a significant increase in hosting student teachers—up 229% from the previous year, with 95 student teachers hosted this school year. This increase is attributed to a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that encourages student teachers to engage with the district.

The presentation also emphasized the importance of maintaining positive labor management relationships and providing professional development opportunities for staff. The district has implemented mentoring programs and leadership development initiatives, with 38 instructional administrators and 35 non-instructional leaders participating in professional growth activities.

In response to board member inquiries, Larson discussed the potential for staff surveys to gather insights on retention and the development of "wildly important goals" for the HR department. The team is committed to fostering a supportive environment that values employee contributions and encourages long-term commitment to the district.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the significance of these initiatives in creating a thriving educational environment, ensuring that both current and future staff feel valued and supported in their roles. The board expressed appreciation for the efforts made by the Human Resources team and the positive impact these strategies are expected to have on the district's workforce.