New EdWeek Research Center survey data show district leaders want to start budget conversations earlier and prioritize coordinated hiring strategies to fight teacher shortages. Administrators named early cross‑department discussions and beginning budget talks months sooner as top steps to avoid short‑term cuts; the EdRecruiter 2026 survey further highlights which recruiting practices and AI tools sway job seekers. The combination of tighter fiscal windows and evolving recruitment expectations means HR and finance leaders in K‑12 and higher education must align timelines, clarify role bundles, and invest in candidate experience to retain talent. Districts that shift budgeting cycles earlier and modernize recruitment stand to reduce churn and better execute multi‑year staffing plans.