Sonja Riley provided an overview of current staffing levels, noting ongoing challenges created by both vacancies and budget limitations. While instructional and administrative positions remain partially filled, the team is prioritizing compliance-critical roles such as certified math instruction in sixth grade. The committee discussed which roles should remain unfilled due to budget constraints while exploring alternatives such as certified substitutes.

Staff attendance was reviewed, with overall rates improving following earlier dips. Ms. Riley  explained the attendance-tracking process, including daily sign-in procedures, grace periods, and documentation of tardiness and absences. Two staff members are currently on FMLA, and updated attendance spreadsheets are shared regularly with academic leadership to monitor trends.

The committee also discussed staff wellness and overall morale. Although staff returned from the holiday break in better spirits, members acknowledged ongoing strain caused by student behavior challenges and staffing gaps. The team noted that discipline referrals have begun to decline due to new intervention strategies.

Sonja Riley shared current recruitment efforts, including active postings on multiple platforms and the school website. Recent interviews did not result in hires due to concerns about classroom management ability. Upcoming recruitment fairs were discussed, along with their associated costs.

Retention discussions centered on attendance trends, online reputation management, and the importance of strengthening hiring pipelines mid-year. The committee also revisited suggestions for using certified substitutes if qualified full-time candidates remain limited.

Staff morale initiatives were explored, including possible appreciation events to maintain momentum and reduce burnout. The committee noted the need to balance support initiatives with fiscal limitations.

Nisah Brinson shared PD sessions will pause in December due to parent-teacher conferences. January plans include renewed work with Amplify and STEMscopes to strengthen literacy and math instruction. iReady training was completed earlier this year and determined sufficient at this time.

The group also discussed aligning PD with instructional needs highlighted by upcoming MAP assessments, particularly as the school aims to achieve growth targets tied to Title I CLIP goals. Staff wellness considerations were noted as essential in pacing PD expectations over the next quarter.