Board approves revised substitute salary schedule, directs district to cost out higher step rates

The Chula Vista Elementary School District Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a revised classified substitute salary schedule and directed district staff to return with a cost analysis showing the fiscal impact of raising substitute pay to the Step 1 rate for each corresponding classification.

Trustees debated the schedule after a public speaker, Angela Reed, said current substitute pay does not match the work required of substitutes and urged pay be set to match the classification being covered. Trustee Karen Ramirez Dominguez said some increases in the draft schedule were appropriate but that others ‘‘appear unacceptable’’ without context. Vice President Tamayo moved to approve the schedule while requiring the district to provide a cost estimate for raising substitute pay to the Step 1 rate of the long‑term classification; President Ugarte seconded the motion and the board approved it unanimously.

The board and commenters cited repeated shortages of substitutes—affecting noon duty, classroom coverage and small‑group instruction—and noted some substitute rates are below market. Trustee Dominguez Cervantes asked for the district to deliver the cost analysis at the next board meeting so the board can consider whether additional adjustments are feasible within the district budget.

District staff said some of the salary increases reflect minimum‑wage changes and updated classification duties. Trustees requested the analysis include estimated fiscal impacts based on recent substitute usage patterns.

The board’s action amends the district’s substitute schedule effective Jan. 1, 2025, and adds a directive for staff follow‑up rather than adopting further pay increases immediately.