Board approves higher substitute pay for custodians, administrative assistants to address staffing shortages

The Timberlane Regional School District board unanimously approved a change to substitute pay rates for substitute custodians and substitute administrative assistants to address ongoing staffing shortages, particularly compared with neighboring Massachusetts wages.

The board action raised the daily or hourly rates for substitute roles so the district can hire for front‑desk and custodial coverage. Facilities and human‑resources staff explained the district currently struggles to fill substitute custodian shifts at the existing $17‑per‑hour rate; the proposed change would align the substitute step 1 rate with the district’s negotiated steps so substitutes will move with any scheduled step increases.

A facilities presenter told the board the district had lost one full‑time and one part‑time custodian and consistently needs substitute coverage for multiple shifts and events. Board members discussed whether students could perform limited front desk tasks; administrators and union representatives said confidentiality and union rules pose barriers to using students for front‑desk coverage.

After discussion, the board approved the pay changes; the motion recorded at the meeting specified substitute custodian pay at $20 per hour and substitute administrative assistant pay at $19.67 per hour (to be inserted into the operating budget and taken up in the fiscal ’27 budget process). Board discussion noted the change will be budgeted in next year’s operating plan and administrators said they will return to the board if additional supplemental funding is required.

The presentation that preceded the vote included current‑rate information: substitute custodians at $17 per hour (current), and a cited comparison to nearby employers with higher rates. Administrators said the position does not include benefits and that the district is aiming for a sustainable approach tied to negotiated step increases.