HR presents hiring and retention data; division pursues Grow‑Our‑Own and student‑teacher recruitment

Summary

Human resources reported 132 new hires (as of Dec. 15) and multiple current vacancies, described reasons staff leave and outlined retention and recruitment strategies including mentoring, tuition reimbursement increases, student‑teacher placements, and an application to the state ITeach/Grow‑Our‑Own program.

Human resources presented recruitment and retention data and initiatives intended to stabilize staffing across the division.

As of Dec. 15 HR reported 132 hires year‑to‑date (including teachers, administrators and support staff) and a small number of full‑time vacancies at the school level. The presentation cited statewide and regional staffing pressure: JLARC data and local feedback indicate teachers leave most often citing lack of support, workload, school leadership and pay. The division has increased tuition‑reimbursement amounts, expanded mentoring and coaching for novice teachers, instituted scheduled HR check‑ins, offered facilities and wellness support and sought to convert instructional assistants into licensed teachers.

Recruitment tactics include a March 1 spring career fair with on‑site interviews, expanded student‑teacher placements (40+ arranged with local teacher‑preparation programs as of mid‑December), regional recruiting at colleges and an application to the state ITeach/Grow‑Our‑Own program. HR described the competitive regional market and emphasized internal pathways for career growth as critical to retention.