Caroline County Schools update hiring efforts for 2025-26 school year

The Caroline County School Board meeting on June 12, 2025, focused on critical updates regarding teacher recruitment and retention for the upcoming school year. The session highlighted the district's ongoing efforts to attract and maintain a qualified teaching staff amid challenges in the current job market.

During the meeting, the board received a comprehensive overview of recruitment strategies aimed at building a diverse and dedicated workforce. Key initiatives included participation in over 20 job fairs, enhanced social media outreach, and the use of digital platforms like Handshake to connect with potential candidates. The district also hosted alternative licensure presentations, attracting over 50 community members interested in transitioning to teaching roles. Additionally, the school board welcomed eight international teachers from the Philippines through a J-1 visa exchange program, enriching the educational environment with global perspectives.

Despite these efforts, the district reported ongoing challenges in filling certain positions. As of the meeting, Caroline High School had 8 certified vacancies, including special education and language teachers. Caroline Middle School had 3 remaining vacancies, while Bowling Green Elementary and Lewis and Clark Elementary reported 5.5 and 5 vacancies, respectively. The district is actively interviewing candidates and exploring additional J-1 visa teachers to address these shortages.

To support retention, the district emphasized its commitment to creating a supportive work environment. Initiatives included a 3% salary increase for all staff, retention bonuses for early contract signers, and the introduction of preschool opportunities for staff children. The HR team has also increased its presence in schools to improve communication and support for employees.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the importance of filling these positions to ensure student success, underscoring the district's dedication to maintaining high-quality education in Caroline County. The board expressed gratitude for the detailed report and acknowledged the ongoing challenges in staffing.