The importance of hiring the most qualified and competent applicants possible

Throughout the educational leadership program one consistant message that professors have always mentioned was the importance of hiring qualified staff members that are excited to go to work everyday and share a common vision that puts the emphasis on student achievement. As we went through the material today in class that idea was reinforced. I think that as Dr. Closen mentioned the amount of problems you will have down the line will be less if the proper decisions are made up front. For instance, if you know a vacancy is coming up advertise as early as possible so the pool of applicants is greater. Also, once you have candidates for the position it is important to make them feel comfortable and welcome so that if they are chosen they already have a sense of belonging. Plus, if they are not chosen they will atleast leave the situation with the idea that the school district does care about their employees and students and may want to apply again if another position was to open. I really think doing your leg work early will solve many issues that might arise later because a decision was made in haste instead of being made because the best person applied for the position and was hired.