Quabbin pursues hires at job fair; HR manager retiring and speech‑language pathologist shortage flagged

Quabbin Regional School District administrators reported at the May 8 meeting that recruiting remains a priority as HR manager Nancy Landry prepares to retire and the district has struggled to fill some specialized positions, notably speech‑language pathologists.

The district’s director of teaching, learning and support was at a regional job fair with the HR director to recruit candidates for next year, the superintendent said. Administrators said they have conducted interviews for the HR manager replacement and for an assistant business manager, and that finalists or offers have been made in some cases.

On staffing shortages, district officials and the director of student services said it remains difficult to recruit speech‑language pathologists. The director of student services reported multiple strong candidates and that offers have been extended; the administration said they are waiting to hear acceptances. School staff noted competing districts sometimes offer substantially higher pay — one administrator said staff departures to neighboring districts have been driven by salary increases “like $20,000 more.”

Committee members asked whether the shortage is pipeline‑related or compensation‑related; the director said competitive entry requirements and limited program slots contribute to a smaller candidate pool, and pay differentials have led some staff to accept positions elsewhere. Administrators said they are pursuing active recruitment with colleges and will continue to make offers and follow up with candidates.

The committee also heard that the district recently moved the full‑day preschool program to New Braintree Grammar School and will open an alternative learning program and a language‑based program for grades 3–4 at other schools next year; staff said hiring remains a key part of placing those programs.