District reports hiring progress, 43 hires and 12 current unfilled positions

Kurt Harvill presented the district’s annual staffing report at the Sept. 11 board meeting, summarizing hiring, internal transfers and vacancy-management practices.

Harvill said the district’s hiring is enrollment- and student-need-driven. He told the board the current year’s hiring process began in January 2024; since then the district posted 39 positions and has hired more than 43 staff. At the time of his presentation he reported approximately 12 unfilled budgeted positions (coaches, advisors and some classroom roles).

He described interview refinements including mock lessons and multi-stage interviews, and said principals and directors are conducting in‑building problem solving to meet classroom needs. To address substitute shortages, the district has implemented emergency substitute certificates and other creative staffing measures.

Harvill also summarized the district’s staffing structure and bargaining calendars: roughly 450 total staff (figure given as an approximation), with three major groups — MEA (teachers/TOSAs/counselors/etc.), MESP (classified staff), and exempt/nonrepresented administrators. He noted bargaining with MEA is planned for January 2026.

Board members asked for clarifications about which vacancies were budgeted and which required new postings; Harvill confirmed several vacancies were already budgeted and being processed. He emphasized flexibility and supports for staff who take growth opportunities, including one‑year leaves of absence in some cases so employees can return if needed.

No formal action was taken on staffing numbers during the meeting; board members complemented the hiring team’s creativity and retention efforts.