Lincoln-Way 210 Prepares for “Retirement Wave” with Focus on Recruitment

Article Summary: Lincoln-Way High School District 210 is bracing for a significant number of retirements, with 47 teachers expected to leave over the next four years, representing nearly a quarter of the current teaching staff. In response, the administration is intensifying its recruitment efforts, focusing on building relationships with universities and identifying promising student teachers early.

Human Resources Update Key Points:

• The district hired 53 new staff members for the 2025-2026 school year, including 17 teachers and 35 support personnel.

• 47 teachers are currently in the retirement pipeline, set to retire within the next four years.

• The district is actively recruiting at university job fairs and has established relationships with 25 different universities for student teacher placements.

The Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education on Thursday, September 18, 2025, received a human resources update highlighting both a successful hiring season and the significant challenge of a looming retirement wave.

An HR administrator reported that the district welcomed 53 new staff members for the school year, including 17 teachers, 35 support staff, and one new administrator. Of the new teachers, only four were first-year educators, with the rest bringing an average of five years of experience to the district.

While celebrating the new hires, the presentation focused on future staffing needs. Currently, 50% of the district’s teachers have 20 or more years of experience, and 47 teachers are slated to retire in the next four years. This pending turnover will affect every academic department.

“That’s what we’re heading into in the next four years,” the administrator stated.

In response, the district is bolstering its recruitment strategy. Administrators will attend a job fair at Illinois State University in October to connect with future teachers and identify potential student teachers. The district has accepted student teachers from 25 different universities over the past four years, with Illinois State University being the top source.

Board member Dana Bergthold raised concerns about succession planning and mentorship. “When you really think about it, the 25% between the years 20 and 23, they’re now going to have to be the mentors to the rest of the buildings,” she observed.

The administration acknowledged the challenge, noting that a turnover of department chairs is also anticipated in the next five to six years and that developing leadership from within is a key priority.