Wilson SD discusses substitute staffing shortages; approves hire of student teacher under Act 86

The Wilson School Board discussed substitute staffing shortages, particularly at elementary schools, and approved a superintendent’s recommendation to hire Michael Hunter — a student teacher eligible under Act 86 — to provide substitute coverage through the spring.

Superintendent Dr. Trickett explained the district’s analysis of substitute fill rates and said the elementary schools each have one contracted full‑time building substitute. He said those building substitutes are often reassigned to cover long‑term absences (maternity or extended leave), which reduces daily coverage capacity and leaves principals scrambling for coverage. Dr. Trickett noted the middle and high schools use daily substitutes assigned consistently but not on the same contract terms as elementary building substitutes.

To address the shortage, the board approved agenda items 5.1–5.6, which included hiring Michael Hunter on a prorated contracted assignment to begin after his graduation and serve as a long‑term substitute (LTS) for the remainder of the year. Dr. Trickett described that Hunter and another candidate are current student teachers who could provide reliable coverage and that Act 86 allows current college students who meet minimum credit requirements to serve as substitutes during breaks. The superintendent and board members said the hire is a short‑term move to improve classroom coverage while the district continues committee discussions about a long‑term solution.

The motion to approve the superintendent’s report and the hire passed on a roll call, 8‑0.