Lexington R-V Comprehensive School Improvement Plan Update
As the nation is experiencing a teacher shortage, recruiting and retaining highly qualified staff is an area of needed focus. The District CSIP addresses highly qualified faculty and staff in Goal 3; Create and sustain a positive culture and practices to retain and reward highly qualified personnel. The Superintendent will continue to gather exit data for all departing employees in order to identify and mitigate factors that may improve employee retention (June 2023, continue annually). This is also addressed in Goal 4; Recruit, Develop, Reward, Retain Highly Qualified Faculty and Staff. The Superintendent will continue to review employee job descriptions for all staff positions (March 2024).
The following action steps have been taken, thus far, in working toward accomplishing these goals:
The District applied for and was awarded both the State Grow Your Own Grant ($10,000) and Teacher Retention Grant ($40,000) to use over a three-year period. Grow Your Own funds were utilized to reimburse a percentage of tuition costs for paraprofessionals in the District, working toward an education degree leading to teacher certification. Teacher Retention funds have been utilized to provide teachers stipends for additional work (not contractually specified) writing and revising curriculum. We have also contracted with guest speakers to provide motivational messages to our staff. These strategies were discussed and selected at District Improvement Team meetings (2021-2022).
Surveys were conducted with both staff leaving, and remaining in, the District at the end of May 2023. Data was segregated by building and shared with the administrative team, followed by the Board of Education. Administration developed plans to address any items noted for needed improvement.
The following District initiatives are in place to recognize and show appreciation for staff: Back to School Celebration Recognition, Back to School Minutemen "Swag", Monthly Acts of Appreciation (building level), Organization Provided Treats, Caught "Moving Forward Together" - Minutemen Money, Staff Appreciation Days/Week Observance, Annual Appreciation/Recognition/Retirement Dinner - Awards, Provided Meals, and Extra Jeans Days. A Communication/Appreciation/Recognition Survey was conducted with staff in September of 2023.
Job descriptions are currently under review. Positions that are no longer in existence have been removed from, and new positions have been added to, the Job Description Manual.
Benefit and salary information is gathered from surrounding districts for comparison on an annual basis.
Lexington R-V will continue to prioritize recruiting and retaining highly qualified staff within the District. #minutemenstrong