School Board approves ESS contract for aggressive substitute teacher recruitment

The Parma City School District Board of Education meeting on April 10, 2025, highlighted a significant shift in the district's approach to substitute teacher recruitment. The board approved a new contract with ESS, a staffing agency, aimed at improving the placement rate for substitutes and enhancing recruitment efforts.

Board members expressed optimism about the partnership, noting that ESS will actively recruit substitutes at various community events, such as athletic games and open houses. This proactive strategy is expected to alleviate staffing shortages and improve classroom conditions, as teachers often prefer not to combine classes or lose instructional time when substitutes are unavailable.

Superintendent Nusio emphasized that this new arrangement should not only maintain current costs but potentially reduce them. He explained that hiring substitutes from ESS could be more economical than relying on existing staff, who are paid higher rates for substitute duties. The board is hopeful that this initiative will boost teacher morale by ensuring classrooms are adequately staffed.

In addition to the staffing discussion, the board addressed revisions to policies concerning parental engagement. Due to recent federal guidelines, the district is revising its policies to avoid any implications of favoritism towards specific groups, particularly in the context of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The board is under a tight deadline to submit these revisions to the state, ensuring compliance and safeguarding approximately $9 million in federal funding.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for public comments, adhering to established protocols for addressing the board. Overall, the discussions reflect the district's commitment to improving educational quality and compliance with federal regulations.