Jean (Human Capital office) presented the district’s annual staffing update to the Waterbury Board of Education on Oct. 2, reporting a significant reduction in vacancies and progress on recruitment and retention.

"Currently, we have 52 staff vacancies. Only 15 of those are classroom teachers, which is down from 69 just last year," the presenter said, describing a multi-year decline from more than 200 vacancies in 2023. The presentation said the district recorded 89 resignations this year — a decrease from the prior reporting period — and 33 retirements, a slight decline from last year.

Human Capital reported current shortage-area figures: 27 special-education vacancies (down from 37 the prior year) and noted that extra classes at the secondary level fell from 146 to 14, a change the department characterized as a "tremendous significant cost savings to the district." The presentation listed 72 positions filled in shortage areas this year, including 33 special-education teachers, 9 science teachers, 8 math teachers, 6 bilingual/ESL teachers and 6 technical-education teachers.

Officials described use of state temporary staffing programs and local "grow your own" initiatives. The district said it hired 163 staff members during the 2024–25 hiring cycle (150 teachers and 13 administrators). The new hires were 28.2% educators of color and 19% multilingual; the district reported a 91.3% retention rate for new teachers and said 12 teachers who left earlier returned.

Board members and Superintendent Dr. Schwartz praised Human Capital and teachers who covered extra classes during the vacancy surge. Commissioners asked clarifying questions; Commissioner O'Brien offered thanks for the progress. Staff credited partnerships with educator-preparation programs, Teach Connecticut, and local recruitment strategies such as community events and targeted outreach at career fairs.

The presentation was informational; no board vote was required.