Internal transfers are extremely difficult, even for qualified, high-performing employees who want to grow within the organization. Northside often prioritizes external hires over promoting from within, which is discouraging for long-term staff. These external candidates are also paid more. Merit increases are described as performance- and tenure-based, yet employees with 7+ years of service and consistently high evaluations (4.6+) receive raises as low as $0.70. In today’s economy, this approach hurts morale and retention.