Posts by Donnie Decker (14)
The End-of-Year Staffing Review Checklist Every District Needs
The end of the school year is when most staffing intelligence is generated and most of it is lost. Here's how to capture it and use it to start next year stronger.
The 10 Staffing Metrics Every School District Should Track
Most districts track vacancies. That is one metric out of ten that matter. Here is the complete staffing scorecard that gives you full visibility into your workforce health.
The Technology Stack Every Substitute Program Needs in 2026
From absence management to performance tracking, here are the technology tools that transform substitute programs from chaotic to strategic.
How District Leadership Can Drive Better Staffing Outcomes
Superintendent priorities, board decisions, and central office culture shape every staffing metric in your district. Here is how strong leaders make the difference.
How to Calculate the Right Size for Your Substitute Teacher Pool
Too small and you can't fill positions. Too large and you can't manage quality. Here's how to calculate the optimal substitute pool size for your district.
How to Evaluate Staffing Technology Without Getting Sold
EdTech vendors promise everything. Here is a practical framework for evaluating staffing technology that focuses on what actually matters for your district.
A Simple System for Tracking Substitute Teacher Performance
You cannot improve what you do not track. Here is a practical, low-burden system for measuring substitute teacher effectiveness in your district.
How to Prepare Your District's Staffing for Winter Absence Season
Every year, flu season and holiday schedules create a predictable staffing crunch. Districts that prepare in October avoid the January crisis.
How to Manage Substitute Teacher Quality Without Micromanaging
Not all subs are created equal. Districts need systems to identify, develop, and reward their best subs while addressing performance issues in the rest.
How to Streamline Your Substitute Placement Process
A faster, more efficient substitute placement process fills more classrooms and keeps your best subs engaged. Here are the process improvements that make the biggest difference.
How to Use Data to Make Better Staffing Decisions in Your District
Most districts have staffing data. Few use it to make decisions. Here's how to build a data practice that actually improves how you staff your schools.
Centralized vs. Decentralized Substitute Management: Which Works Better?
Some districts let each school manage their own subs. Others centralize the process. Here's what the data says about which approach actually fills more classrooms.
5 Ways to Support Teacher Attendance This Semester
When teachers can be in their classrooms consistently, students thrive. Here are five systemic changes that help teachers show up at their best.
How to Build a Substitute Teacher Pipeline That Lasts
Most districts recruit subs in September and wonder why the pool is empty by January. Here's how to build a pipeline that refills itself year-round.