Board committee highlights teacher retention challenges: accountability, coaching and Title II funding priorities

Board members and district staff discussed teacher recruitment and retention challenges and recommended policy changes to increase accountability for training, improve coaching supports and prioritize Title II funds for teacher development.

Dr. Lisa Keith (teacher recruitment/retention committee) said new and emergency‑certified teachers frequently lack orientation on professional expectations — including code of ethics, confidentiality and teacher Bill of Rights — and that district practices for professional development (PD) sometimes remove teachers from classrooms in ways that undermine both instruction and PD effectiveness. Keith recommended clearer policy timelines and accountability measures requiring participating teachers to complete specified courses within set periods and to document course completion before receiving stipends.

Keith and other board members suggested contracting experienced coaches and retired teachers to provide classroom‑based modeling and mentorship rather than relying on already overloaded master teachers or removing teachers from instruction at peak teaching times. The committee also urged the board to reexamine Title II allocations and emphasize funds for retention and coaching rather than ad hoc uses.

Superintendent Dr. Byrd and other board members agreed that accountability, staggered PD scheduling aligned to block schedules and targeted coaching would help retention. Board members also recommended quarterly check‑ins and stronger local metrics to monitor progress and spending.

What’s next: the committee will continue policy work and present recommendations for required coursework, stipend‑related conditions and potential contracting options for coach/mentor positions; staff said these items will be incorporated into the district’s recruitment and retention plan.