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Suffolk board reviews staffing report: long‑term substitutes, I‑Teach pathway and signing bonuses discussed
Summary
Board members reviewed a staffing report showing 101 long‑term substitutes, heard updates on the I‑Teach pathway and signing bonuses for critical positions, and asked for subject‑level vacancy breakdowns per school.
The Suffolk City School Board discussed a staffing report and recruitment strategies at its March 13 meeting, focusing on long‑term substitutes, teacher pathways and targeted signing bonuses for hard‑to‑fill positions.
Board member Dawn Brittingham asked the board to examine the number and distribution of long‑term substitutes and seek strategies to convert them into fully licensed teachers. Human resources staff said the division had 101 long‑term substitutes (defined as substitutes teaching 15 or more days) and identified math, science, English and special education as the most difficult secondary subjects to staff.
Dr. Avery (teaching and learning) and human resources staff outlined multiple pathways the division is using to convert substitutes and paraprofessionals into licensed teachers: the state‑approved I‑Teach program, an associate‑teacher pathway and targeted incentives. "We have 59 people in the I‑Teach program," Dr. Avery said, and the division had hired nine candidates who began through the I‑Teach pathway in April. She said I‑Teach requires a bachelor’s degree and can take up to 18 months to two years to completion; participants who finish receive a full teaching license.
Staff also described targeted signing and retention bonuses for critical shortage areas. Dr. Avery said the division has offered $1,500 signing bonuses for high‑need positions and in some schools increased the incentive to $2,000 where vacancies were especially persistent. Board members asked whether district funds could be reallocated to increase incentives and discussed the tradeoffs between bonuses and other budget priorities.
Trustees asked for more granular data. Several members requested a by‑school and by‑subject breakdown showing which grade bands and courses are staffed by long‑term substitutes, how long those placements have lasted, and which substitutes are actively pursuing licensure.
Superintendent Dr. John Gordon said staffing patterns fluctuate; the division has hired 40 teachers since the start of the school year and that turnover reasons include health, retirement and military relocations. He and HR staff said they would provide the requested school‑and‑subject level vacancy data at a future meeting.
