Hanover Schools See Spike in Staff Resignations

HANOVER — Hanover Public Schools has experienced a steep increase in staff resignations over the past year, with 27 employees leaving their positions since May—a figure school officials say is nearly triple the district’s typical annual turnover.

“This isn’t where we want to save money,” said Finance Director Michael Oates during the April 9 School Committee meeting. “This isn’t a good thing.”

Although many of the positions were in student support roles, the resignations also included teachers and administrators. Superintendent Matthew Ferron said the spike reflects broader challenges in staffing and retention, particularly in an environment of uncertainty surrounding the upcoming override vote in May.

“I mean the number of resignations is at least triple what we would typically get,” Ferron said. “And the recruiting part is very difficult.”

Committee member Rachel Hughes voiced concern about relying too heavily on the override as a solution, urging the district to strengthen its recruitment strategy regardless of the outcome.

“We do need to move forward to continue to be a desirable district,” Hughes said. “So what are we doing outside of pushing for the override?”

Ferron responded that the district is actively posting open positions and promoting Hanover’s positive work culture.

“As long as that stays true and we continue to be positive and share good news, I think the best path forward,” Ferron said.

Assistant Superintendent Deborah St. Ives praised the district's existing staff for maintaining high standards under increasingly challenging conditions.

“Our staff does that for us every day. They work hard, they come here no matter what we ask of them,” St. Ives said. “I want to be here. I don’t want to be anywhere else.”

School Committee Chair Pete Miraglia also noted the community’s resilience and expressed hope that new hires and restored positions will bring “green shoots” in the coming year.

“I think positivity is really important and I think I have a lot more confidence this year that this is going to pass,” Miraglia said. “I’m looking forward to seeing fresh faces and restoration.”

Committee members, including Elizabeth Corbo, discussed the need for formal exit interviews to better understand staff departures.

“I think exit interviews would be important data to collect,” Corbo said. “Understanding why people may be leaving this district would be important information for us.”

Ferron acknowledged the value of that feedback and said while some informal interviews take place, a more consistent process could be implemented.

“We know what’s going on. We talk to these people and they talk to their administrators,” Ferron said. “But I’m certainly happy to make that a future goal to formalize that.”

The next School Committee meeting is scheduled for April 30.

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