During the recent Ball Chatham CUSD 5 School Board meeting held on June 25, 2025, significant discussions centered around staffing and recruitment efforts within the district. With the school year approaching, the board highlighted the ongoing challenges in education staffing, reflecting a national trend.

As of the last Student Attendant day, the district employed 330 certified staff, 312 educational support professionals (ESPs), and 34 administrators. Notably, the district welcomed 94 new hires for the 2024-2025 school year, which underscores the district's proactive approach to addressing staffing needs. The turnover rate stands at 13%, aligning closely with national averages for similar-sized school districts and slightly below the Illinois state average of 14%.

The board reported an encouraging 985 individual applicants during the fiscal year, indicating a positive response to their recruitment strategies. These strategies included a mix of in-person outreach, digital engagement, and leveraging internal networks. The district participated in six targeted job fairs at institutions such as Eastern Illinois University and the University of Illinois, resulting in 29 direct applications. Additionally, enhanced social media efforts led to 252 applications, showcasing the effectiveness of digital outreach.

Employee referrals emerged as a significant source of applications, contributing 815, while job boards and the district's career site generated approximately 1,400 and 1,300 applications, respectively. The board emphasized the importance of retention, noting that 85% of exit survey respondents would recommend the district to a friend, indicating a generally positive workplace environment. However, the board acknowledged that 63% of resignations were due to life changes beyond their control, with a focus on addressing the remaining 37% that could be influenced by the district.

As of the meeting, the district had already welcomed 25 new certified staff, 22 new ESPs, and 3 new administrators for the upcoming school year. The board noted that while there were still vacancies—one certified position and approximately 22 ESP roles—they were actively working to fill these positions. The hiring process is expected to ramp up in July and August, particularly for ESP roles, which typically see higher vacancy rates during the summer months.

In conclusion, the discussions at the Ball Chatham CUSD 5 School Board meeting highlighted the district's ongoing commitment to staffing and recruitment amidst national challenges. The proactive measures taken, including a blend of traditional and digital recruitment strategies, reflect a responsive approach to ensuring that the district is well-prepared for the upcoming school year. The board's focus on employee satisfaction and retention will be crucial as they navigate the complexities of staffing in the education sector.