Trustees press district for exit-interview data, raise alarm over recent turnover

At the Sept. 11 Benton Harbor Area Schools meeting trustees pressed administration for answers about multiple recent staff departures and onboarding processes.

Trustee Gavin said the pace of recent separations concerned her and asked for a structural review of HR onboarding and supports. "I must say that I am very concerned about the turnover rate," she said, and asked why exit interviews were incomplete and what supports were in place to retain staff.

Director Mcder replied that exit-interview surveys had been sent to departing staff, but several responses were still outstanding (marked TBD in the report). He committed to follow up and to provide the board with a fuller accounting of exit interviews and circumstances. Several trustees asked staff to ensure the board receives completed exit-interview results and any recommendations to improve onboarding, mentorship or retention.

The discussion occurred around the board’s acceptance of multiple separations (staff report H1) and approvals of new hires (H3 and H4). Trustee Gavin voted against H1 and against H4; other trustees supported the motions. Trustee comments included requests to guard personnel privacy while still obtaining the data the board needs to oversee district staffing.

Public comment from retiring central-office staff member Liz Goodwin urged trustees to recognize the work of central-office employees and cautioned against public portrayals that undercut staff morale.

What’s next: HR and the superintendent were asked to submit a report listing exit-interview completion status, summarized findings and recommended retention/onboarding changes for board review.