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Jenkintown SD proposes higher substitute pay under STS contract; district billed at ~35% markup
Summary
Board staff presented an addendum to the STS substitute-teacher contract raising day-to-day and long-term substitute rates, adding a paraprofessional rate and explaining that STS bills the district at a higher 'district bill rate' that creates about a 35% markup to cover liability and administrative costs.
District staff presented an addendum to the STS substitute-teacher contract that would raise the daily day-to-day substitute rate to $145 and increase the long-term substitute daily rate to $165. The addendum also creates a daily paraprofessional rate (about $130) and clarifies parity for guest teachers and student teachers following PDE guidance.
A district staff member explained how the billing works: STS pays the individual substitute at the daily rate, and the district is billed a higher ‘‘district bill rate’’ that covers the vendor’s liability coverage and administrative costs. ‘‘So we’re paying a 35% markup on each of those days,’’ the staff member said.
Staff said the adjustment is intended to make the district more competitive in recruiting substitutes and to reduce staffing gaps; they cited local comparisons showing the district’s rates close to neighboring districts after the increase. The STS contract runs through June 30, 2025; staff said they will seek renegotiation or bids when it expires.
Board members asked whether long-term substitutes receive longevity pay or a stepped scale; staff said there is not a multi-year substitute pay scale under the current arrangement. Staff also discussed the possibility of bidding out substitute services or moving to direct hire models if recruiting remains difficult.
No vote was taken during the work session; staff said the board will consider the contract addendum at the upcoming regular meeting.
