HR update: Lawrence Public Schools reports hires and pipelines; committee presses on licensing waivers and nonrenewals

Elizabeth Gonzalez, executive director of HR, told the committee the district has made 84 hires since January and anticipates 243 open or anticipated positions for the 2026–27 year. She described talent pipelines: PAR/professional para pathways, cohorts for teacher preparation, master's partnerships with local colleges and programs that yield internal candidates for hiring and promotion.

Committee members asked detailed questions about licensing and waivers. Gonzalez and Receiver Woo explained that state licensure rules require certification for most educator positions; waivers issued by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) are typically granted for one year and must be renewed. HR said the district submits waiver requests after a principal recommends an unlicensed candidate and after the district attempts to recruit licensed candidates for the role.

Committee members asked what supports the district provides to employees in pathway programs and whether employees who do not complete credentials after grant-funded training can be required to repay funds. HR replied that most pathway dollars are grant-funded and cannot be clawed back from individuals; there is no blanket repayment obligation. Members requested a detailed report on retention, attrition, nonrenewal reasons and a roster of employees in pipeline programs so the committee can understand who may be affected by licensing timelines.

Next steps: HR agreed to produce retention/attrition and nonrenewal data, with reasons when allowable, and to provide a list of pipeline participants and the district’s supports for finishing licensing requirements.