Ozarks Profile: Danny Joe Fuller

What do you do?

I have responsibility for the administration of the human resources function for the district. That includes recruiting, interviewing, selecting and orienting all classified and support staff, making sure all elements of the human resources function are in compliance with all state and federal regulations as they apply to certification, employment, employee benefits and contract administration. I am also responsible for the district-wide employee evaluation programs, employee relations, employee counseling, grievances and employee/board of education negotiations, administration of board policies as the relate to human resources. I am responsible for wage and salary administration of classified and nonexempt staff, including wage/benefit research on comparable positions in industry and other public agencies.

With so many employees, what are some of your biggest challenges?

The goals for the Springfield school district are raising student achievement and reducing the drop-out rate. Human resources supports those goals by being the consummate service provider to all Springfield district employees. ... We handle the needs of 3,000 employees who have the responsibility for the education experience of more than 24,000 students in the district.

What attracted you to the human resources career field?

I've always been a problem solver, and helping people solve their problems has always been an interest of mine. As a result of that interest, I got into the employee relations side of human resources as an opportunity to use my problem-solving skills to earn a living.

Tell us about your family.

My family includes my wife of 39 years, Jeannette, who is the love of my life, and one very spoiled Manx cat, Leroy Brown. Although we have no children of our own, we have a large extended family that our life revolves around.

Do you have any hobbies?

I love model railroading and have collected a number of G scale trains over the years. We recently completed a new home with a bonus room, which I hope someday will be utilized for my hobby.

What other careers have you considered?

I am very people oriented. I seriously considered a career in substance abuse counseling, and when I retire I may pursue certification in that area. I don't see myself not being productive after I finish this career effort.