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Human resources report: hires, retention up; paraprofessional shortages persist
Summary
The district reported 40 certified hires (31 new classroom teachers), highest classroom teacher retention in four years, but ongoing paraprofessional vacancies and secondary administrative turnover remain concerns; the Grow Your Own and Pathways programs aim to address staffing pipelines.
Dr. Ross, presenting the human resources evaluation for the 2024–25 year, told the board the district made 40 certified hires this year, 31 of whom were new faces in classroom positions, and reported a classroom‑teacher retention rate the presenter described as the highest since his tenure.
"We're right on about, down a couple from previous year. We made 40 certified hires. That number in parenthesis, 31, that's going to be new faces," Dr. Ross reported. He said overall certified staff retention was "right at about that 85% retention rate," while he also noted classroom‑teacher retention reached roughly 87% — the highest since he has held the role.
Dr. Ross identified areas of concern: all five administrative hires were at the secondary level and several departing administrators cited salary as a primary reason for leaving. Classified staff turnover also remains nuanced; although overall classified retention improved and resignations decreased, paraprofessional vacancies remain notable. The presenter said about seven paraprofessional openings remained on the district’s job list at the time of the meeting and that vacancies place strain on classrooms because some positions require substitutes.
To bolster pipelines, the district is expanding a Grow Your Own apprenticeship with seven student apprentices working in buildings while taking college classes. The Pathways for Paraprofessionals program, an alternative certification run with Missouri State University, was described as a route for paraprofessionals to earn education credentials while working; district leaders said the program helps convert paraprofessionals into certified special‑education teachers.
Board members asked how paraprofessional pay compares with neighboring districts and whether turnover is driven by compensation; Dr. Ross said pay varies by role and that high‑needs paraprofessionals are paid at higher rates to reflect specialized duties.
No formal board action was taken; the report was provided for board information and for future planning on recruitment, retention and compensation.
