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Saco School Board approves higher substitute rates to attract workers, unanimous vote
Summary
The board voted 7‑0 to raise substitute pay to $125/day for regular substitutes, $140/day for retired/certified substitutes and $175/day for nurse substitutes, with the superintendent saying the change will align Saco with neighboring districts and help staffing shortages.
The Saco School Board voted unanimously to increase substitute pay as part of a strategy to recruit more daily substitutes, retired certificated subs and nurse substitutes.
Interim Superintendent Ray outlined the proposal and its rationale, saying the district is recommending a regular substitute rate of $125 per day, $140 per day for retired or certified teachers who substitute, and $175 per day for nurse substitutes. "This is a rate that, if you pass tonight, all three of us in the area will be paying the same rate so that we can be competitive," the superintendent said, describing a regional review of neighboring districts’ rates.
Board member Justin (speaker identified in the transcript as making the motion) moved to approve the increase; a second was recorded and the board took a roll‑call vote. The motion passed 7‑0.
Board members said they supported the increase as a pragmatic measure to reduce daily staffing stress, while the superintendent cautioned it would not solve all substitute shortages and that the district is also pursuing partnerships with local colleges and referral incentives.
The district will implement the new rates if the board’s action is noted in the personnel/payroll process and monitor recruitment outcomes in the coming months.
