Within the private sector, the human resource management perspective has replaced the traditional personnel management approach. A similar evolution within the educational community is necessary for implementation of successful school reforms. Presented in this paper are an overview of the transition from personnel management to human resource management in the business sphere, a discussion of school reform issues within a human resource management perspective, and recommendations for educational administration. School reform is characterized by two conflicting issues: empowerment and restructuring; and recruitment and retention. Utilization of human resource management principles is useful for achieving each of these goals. A recommendation is made for the inclusion of human resource specialists in key school district administrative positions. (8 references) (LMI)