Personnel committee reviews staffing, onboarding check‑in and approves 2026–27 calendar for board recommendation

Dr. Castro gave the Personnel Committee an update that there were no teacher resignations to report and that four special‑education vacancies were filled while one additional vacancy arose due to relocation. She said she will add a special‑education‑aide tab in personnel reports to show reasons for non‑returning aides and improve transparency at year‑end.

On enrollment, Dr. Castro explained the district’s method of calculating class sizes (dividing students by the number of teachers at the grade‑level and assessing per‑building variation) and reported the district’s average class sizes run below comparable districts except in third grade. Committee members discussed the staffing implications, demographic trends and the use of early surveys to anticipate family moves.

Dr. Castro presented a 30‑day onboarding check‑in based on 39 of 59 new‑hire responses (66% participation). The quantitative and thematic feedback showed strengths in collaborative culture and relationship building; notable concerns included onboarding clarity and mentoring for special‑education assistants. She said the district will implement shadowing days, more structured mentoring and a 90‑day follow‑up.

On new business, Dr. Castro described a calendar‑development process that began with HR‑defined structural constraints, produced three options, solicited cabinet, principal and staff input, and resulted in a preferred calendar that meets required instructional minutes (174 days) with a Sept. 1 start and two winter break days shifted to June. Sixty percent of staff preferred this option. The committee moved and voted to recommend the proposed 2026–27 school calendar to the full board.