USD 379 Excellence Foundation

Specific Need

The educational hiring field has changed dramatically in the past decade. What once involved double-digit candidates for each position, now most districts are happy if more than one candidate applies. Combine that with approximately 30 percent of USD 379 teachers being eligible to retire in the next five years, and you can see why we have to think of new and unique ways to recruit new staff and retain the staff we currently have.

We are now in year 2 of this foundation. Some examples of how we spent our money in year 1:

1. We paid the yearly dues of any USD 379 staff member who wanted to become a member of the Clay County L.I.F.T. young professionals organization.

2. We decided to "Storm the Classrooms" to give all first-year teachers an "almost there" gift basket leading into spring break (see video below).

3. We hosted an all-staff giveaway, with prizes from around the county, at our January inservice.

NOTE: We make a point to NOT ask for donations from any local business or organization. They get asked to do enough. This helps put some money into their pocket rather than taking it out.

Mission

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