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Independence officials report higher applications, staffing gains and substitute shortage in HR update
Summary
Superintendent and HR director told the board that recruitment activity increased, Learning League invitations numbered 627 with 180 acceptances, the district recorded 118 active substitutes (target 200), and HR plans continued outreach and 90‑day surveys to improve retention.
Superintendent Dr. Grant and HR director Dr. Robinson updated the board on staffing initiatives, recruitment outcomes and student supports tied to the district’s academic plan.
Dr. Robinson said recruiting is active: of 228 candidates interviewed over the summer, 168 offers were extended and 34 declined (about 20%). She said feedback from decliners often cited location and schedule, including some candidates preferring other districts or the appeal of a four‑day week. Current certificated openings were reported as 11; nine openings were in special education and several positions were newly created.
On student supports, Dr. Grant described Learning League — an invite‑only academic support program for targeted literacy and math instruction. The administration said 627 students were invited from benchmark testing and 180 families accepted; attendance for the program’s first two weeks averaged roughly 57–60%. Busing and meals are provided for participating students, and district staff said they will continue outreach through parent‑teacher conferences to boost participation.
Board members pressed about survey response rates and substitute coverage. Dr. Robinson said 90‑day and exit surveys typically produce strong response rates (generally above 50%), and reported that the district has 118 active substitutes and would like that pool to be 200 or more to reduce daily coverage pressures.
Next steps: HR will continue targeted recruiting, follow up with candidate feedback surveys, expand outreach about Learning League during conferences, administer a 90‑day survey for new hires and work toward growing the substitute pool.
