School Board proposes $5 daily raise for substitute teachers to improve fill rates

The Edmond Public Schools Board meeting on July 11, 2025, focused on addressing the ongoing challenge of filling substitute teaching positions. The discussion highlighted the impact of teacher shortages on classroom learning, particularly when teachers are required to cover additional classes due to a lack of substitutes.

The board proposed a threefold recommendation aimed at improving substitute fill rates. First, they suggested increasing daily pay for substitutes to $85 for non-certified individuals and $95 for certified teachers. Additionally, the board plans to maintain two existing incentive programs that reward substitutes based on their attendance. Substitutes who work 60%, 75%, or 90% of the school days would receive stipends of $5, $10, and $15 per day, respectively, potentially allowing them to earn up to $110 daily.

The discussion also revealed specific challenges faced in secondary schools, particularly in Title 1 schools and during periods of increased student activities such as sports and fine arts. Board members acknowledged that while the current initiatives aim to balance the needs of elementary and secondary schools, there is a concern that increasing pay for secondary substitutes could inadvertently affect the fill rates for elementary positions.

Overall, the board's recommendations reflect a strategic effort to enhance the substitute teaching workforce, ensuring that classrooms remain adequately staffed and that student learning is not compromised. Further evaluations of the effectiveness of these initiatives will be necessary as the school year progresses.