Board reviews plan to track long‑term substitutes as staffing shortage response

District administrators briefed the board on substitute staffing challenges at the April 27 work session and proposed formalizing a process to track and approve long‑term substitutes.

Administration said some substitute employees are used on an extended, recurring basis (for months or school years) in custodial and cafeteria roles and that the district would like to present long‑term substitutes to the board to ensure insurance coverage and oversight. The district currently distinguishes between day‑to‑day substitutes and long‑term assignments; administrators proposed bringing long‑term substitutes to the board for informational approval and maintaining a rolling list that would be refreshed if a person is inactive for 12 months.

Trustees discussed pay structures (daily vs. hourly rates), background‑check refresh frequency (administration suggested a five‑year refresh similar to full‑time staff), and incentive ideas used by local districts (bonuses for subs who pick up a threshold of days). Board members suggested creating clear guidelines so future superintendents understand district expectations.

What’s next: Administration will maintain the long‑term substitute list, adjust background‑check procedures as appropriate and return policy suggestions or recommended board actions on substitute approval and incentives.