In attracting a good staff, one should stress the characteristics of a small district that might be attractive to recruits: a low teacher-pupil ratio, more opportunities to take leadership roles, opportunity to give more individual attention to students, a greater oppportunity to be part of the community, ability to be closer to one's own children's involvements and needs, and a community bond. Keeping good staff can mean involving the staff in as many things as possible, keeping the staff informed, showing interest in the staff by visiting them at work and recognizing their accomplishments, using every method possible to involve staff in planning and implementing of programs, exploring the leadership abilities in the staff and promoting those capable of leadership, recommending the highest salaries possible, avoiding inbreeding of ideas, and treating all staff as human beings who are needed and wanted and whose work for children is appreciated. (Author/IRT)
