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Board approves one-year contract with ESS for substitute staffing amid cost concerns
Summary
The board approved a one-year contract with ESS Southeast to place substitute staff; board members raised concerns about the roughly $300,000 additional annual cost and effects on mentor funding and local staffing.
GASTONIA, N.C. — The Gaston County Board of Education approved a one-year contract with ESS Southeast LLC to provide substitute staff placement services at the May 19 meeting, but several board members highlighted cost and program concerns during discussion.
The contract—presented as a one-year initial commitment—will make substitutes contracted employees of the provider and eligible for benefits, the board was told. Proponents said the arrangement is expected to increase substitute fill rates and reduce the workload on building administrators.
Nut graf: While the district expects operational benefits, board members asked whether the $300,000 increase over current in-house costs could be negotiated and raised concerns about how the contract might affect funds available for mandated mentor programs and other local staffing priorities.
Discussion and details: Board member Robbie Lovelace said she was not present at the curriculum committee meeting where ESS was discussed and had followed up with staff. She listed pros — higher substitute availability and less classroom disruption — and cons, particularly the contract cost. "$300,000 is a lot of money," she said, and asked how the district will preserve funding for mentor stipends and other state-mandated supports for first-year teachers. Staff members cited in the discussion included Dr. Richard Houchard, Tanya Kells, Beth Suber and Gary Hoskins, who provided background on the proposal.
Action: The board voted to approve the ESS substitute staff placement services contract (motion by Jeff Ramsey; second by Lee Dedmon). The board chair declared the motion carried.
Ending: Board members said they will monitor the vendor's performance during the one-year term and consider cost and program impacts during future budget discussions.
