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Human resources director reports hiring surge, higher retention and diversity gains
Summary
Human Resources Director Shannon Turner told the Taunton School Committee the department completed 483 hires in 2024–25, filled 99% of teaching positions, and reported a 90% DESE retention rate and a 14% increase in staff diversity; the district aims to be fully staffed by July 31.
Shannon Turner, the district’s Human Resources Director, presented her first annual HR report to the Taunton School Committee on May 21, saying the four-person HR office serves roughly 1,600 employees and has streamlined hiring processes.
Turner said the district recorded 483 hires in 2024–25 (not including summer hires), filled 99% of teaching positions—up from 84% the previous year—and reported a 90% staff retention rate per the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. "Our core values are transparency, equity, respect, and integrity," Turner said, and she described initiatives intended to shorten hiring turnaround and improve communication with hiring managers.
The presentation listed a 14% increase in staff diversity and credited multiple factors, including prior implicit-bias training and activities funded in part by a $45,000 DESE teacher-diversification grant. Committee members pressed for detail: Ms. Santos asked whether the diversity increase was linked to the grant; Turner said it was a mix of strategies and training. Mr. Enos asked about anticipated vacancies for next year; Turner said she did not have that number on hand and would follow up.
Turner also described retention tactics—exit surveys (77% of exiting staff would recommend Taunton Public Schools), cross-training so HR staff can cover each other, updated onboarding materials and a recruitment video shown at job fairs. She said the department attended six job fairs in 2024–25 and will continue outreach to local colleges, naming Bridgewater State University as a partner the district is pursuing.
Superintendent Cabral praised the HR office’s expansion from two to four staff and credited the team with data-driven improvements that support staffing stability. Turner said the department has posted openings for 2025–26 and aims to be fully staffed by July 31.
The report was received and discussed; committee members requested follow-up numbers on projected vacancies and additional detail on which recruitment tactics produced the largest gains.
