From Bystander to Ally: Transforming the District Human Resources Department

Human resources (HR) departments play an important role in the education sector, as they determine crucial decisions by aiding in processes such as hiring qualified teacher candidates or aiding in finding a principal who meets a school’s particular needs. This report, by the Wallace Foundation, highlights the crucial role that HR departments play and discusses how school districts are rethinking the design of HR departments, focusing on Houston, Milwaukee, and San Diego. The report identifies key issues that will help districts make their HR office more efficient and effective. It concludes that both administrative reforms to increase the department’s capacity and close attention from district leaders are needed for successful change.