Wow New Hires with Faster, Easier Hiring and Onboarding

Moving fast often means the difference between meeting your staffing goals with time to spare and rushing to hire and onboard enough teachers before school starts. But speed doesn’t have to mean compromising on quality. In the video segments below, we find out how Boerne ISD in Texas hires the teachers and staff they need in plenty of time to beat their staffing goals. Plus, we learn how technology helps them identify and fast-track top candidates while making processes easier for everyone.  

How fast is fast when it comes to hiring K-12 teachers and staff?  

The majority of top-performing districts fill positions in a month or less, according to our 2022 TalentIndex: Education Research Report. Yet overall, 60% of districts say it takes more than a month to fill vacant positions. Even more enlightening, 77% of top-performing districts say they complete the onboarding process in just five days or less.   

How do some K-12 districts hire teachers and staff in 30 days or less? 

Boerne ISD says technology helps them hire and onboard faster while creating a better experience for applicants. This aligns with findings in our 2022 TalentIndex, which reports that top-performing districts, those who tend to hire in 30 days or less, use technology to simplify and speed up processes at a higher rate than others. 70% report using automated checklist forms and more than half report using integrated electronic processes for position management, contracts, reporting, and analytics. 

Watch the short video clips below to learn how a district using integrated technology for recruiting, hiring, and onboarding can fill positions faster, meet staffing goals, and even work toward boosting retention rates.  

Boerne ISD uses integrated recruiting, hiring, and onboarding tools to help them reach more potential applicants, simplify applying, and speed up the entire hiring process. This means they’re able to review more candidates faster, helping them identify those who best meet the district’s unique needs. They’re also able to communicate faster to help move top talent down the hiring funnel before competing districts get the chance.  

Dr. Elaine Howard, Chief Human Resources Officer at Boerne ISD, says they can often put a digital contract in an applicant’s “hand” within 20 minutes of a recommendation to hire. That includes having the initial background check and approvals done. A digital onboarding packet can quickly follow, giving each new hire the flexibility to sign documents and submit forms on their own schedule, from anywhere.   

Competition is fierce, so moving fast and presenting a professional front is important. Quick action can sometimes spur a “yes” before another district, perhaps one with a larger hiring budget, beats you to a top candidate.  

Dr. Howard says it’s not just the speed that helps them attract and retain top talent. She says it’s the professionalism that shows well-qualified applicants your district is the right choice. It’s an important decision in their career journey—they’re putting a lot of faith in your district’s commitment to help them grow and thrive. Give them a reason to make that choice. 

One time when speed is critical, says Dr. Howard, is at events like job fairs. Top talent has plenty of options at these events. Boerne ISD can take advantage of a candidate’s interest on the spot by making an initial offer right there.   

Automation is the secret sauce in keeping processes moving quickly. Dr. Howard calls it the “workflow train,” and it’s always on time.  

Since processes move on their own, HR staff at Boerne can spend more time focusing on bigger picture issues and improvements. They’ve used their gained time to further improve their workflows along the way, and their talent software system gives them the flexibility to make those changes when needed.  

Dr. Howard says they also work to constantly improve the applicant experience. They look for workflow bottlenecks and take feedback from applicants and new hires. The time her team saves on managing hiring and onboarding allows them to improve on an already-excellent program.  

Dr. Howard says her district’s proud of its reputation for providing a convenient, thorough onboarding experience. New hires can complete almost the entire process from their couch, a home office, or even on the go if they choose. Forms and learning materials are all online and accessible from anywhere, and the only stipulation is that they complete the process by the due date. They even get a checklist to help ensure each piece is completed.  

Even though new hires can complete onboarding at their own pace, they’re not left on their own. Dr. Howard says her team answers questions as they arise via email, and because they’re not bogged down by cumbersome workflows, they have time to respond quickly. Dozens of new hires can complete their onboarding simultaneously. 

Boerne ISD transitioned from outdated paper-based processes to their new digital system within days, according to Dr. Howard. Implementing the long-overdue update was an “amazing process,” she says. Technology novices find the software easy to use, and younger, tech-savvy recruits find it a fast and convenient way to apply for, accept, and train for their new job. 

PowerSchool continues to partner with Boerne ISD providing support and training when needed. Dr. Howard says the PowerSchool Community is also a helpful resource—experienced PowerSchool customers provide real-world tips and solutions. Plus, Dr. Howard says the Community is a great place to share ideas and collaborate with colleagues in other districts.  

Research shows employees are 69% more likely to stay at their new job for at least three years after a positive onboarding experience. For Boerne ISD, a better hiring and onboarding program isn’t just about being faster. While that certainly helps them meet staffing goals and hire top talent before others get the chance, an easier, more people-focused experience provides long-term benefits. They’re able to relieve stress both on new hires and their HR staff by automating tasks like distributing onboarding packets and checklists. They also give their new hires the freedom to move at their own pace, on their own schedule. This leads to happier new hires who are more prepared for their first day on the job. And if they need assistance or have questions, Boerne ISD’s HR staff is never to busy to provide real, personalized support and conversations.  

In the end, it’s about people. Technology helps the team at Boerne ISD focus more on their people, and Dr. Howard says they like it that way.