Board approves MOU to raise step placement for certified long‑term substitutes

The Exeter Township School Board unanimously approved, with one abstention, a memorandum of understanding with the Exeter Township Education Association (ETEA) on Sept. 3 that changes long‑term substitute step placement.

The agreement places certified substitute teachers at "step 1, master’s plus 45" on the salary schedule rather than the lower substitute pay step the district had been using, district officials said. The change is intended to recognize certified teachers who work as long‑term substitutes and to attract retired or certified teachers to the district.

"While they may have 10 years of teaching experience with a master's plus 45 ... we're not giving them the full 10 years. We're giving them step 1, master's plus 45, and we're hopeful that this may attract other retirees or certified teachers to come and sub in the Exeter Township School District," Superintendent Christy Haller said during discussion.

There was limited board debate. One board member announced an abstention, citing a spouse’s membership in the ETEA; no other opposition was recorded. The board chair announced "Aye" votes by seven members and that the motion carried.

The agreement was described on the meeting agenda as a memorandum of understanding between the Exeter Township Education Association and the district regarding long‑term substitute step placement. The board did not provide a mover or seconder by name in the public record during the meeting.

Administration said the memorandum does not change full‑time teacher step placement or regular contract provisions; it applies only to placement of certified long‑term substitutes.