Board asks staff to develop administrative procedure to let some district graduates substitute

The Marion County School Board asked staff to draft administrative procedures that would allow applicants who hold a high school diploma but do not meet existing substitute qualifications (five years' experience or 60 college credits) to seek waivers so district graduates and other local candidates could fill substitute roles.

Attorney Blackman presented suggested language as part of Policy 3120 on employment of substitutes, saying the district could allow "applicants who hold a high school diploma but do not otherwise meet this minimum qualification" to "seek a waiver pursuant to the superintendent's administrative procedures." Blackman offered practical ideas, such as limiting initial placements to elementary schools and requiring principal recommendations.

Board members supported the concept as a way to build a local pipeline from programs such as Vanguard High School's educator academy and early‑childhood pathways. Several members stressed the important balance between recruiting local talent and maintaining safeguards to ensure substitutes have the maturity and training to supervise children.

What happens next: The board directed staff to draft administrative procedures that define eligibility, principal‑level approvals and any limitations (e.g., elementary placements) and to return with recommended language and parameters.