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District considers raising substitute pay to $175 a day; staff say increase could cost about $400,000
Summary
District staff proposed increasing the daily substitute teacher rate to $175, retired daily rate to $200, and long-term daily rate to $220; staff estimated the change could add roughly $400,000 to FY27 costs and said funds would come from the general fund and aligned categorical sources.
The board discussed a proposed increase to substitute-teacher pay presented by district staff. The current proposal would set the daily substitute rate at $175, the retired-teacher daily rate at $200, and the long-term substitute rate at $220. Staff said the last increase occurred in fiscal year 25 after a long freeze and that neighboring districts have recently raised rates, leaving Davenport less competitive.
Presenter Jamie said raising rates is intended to increase substitute utilization and reduce the practice of pulling classroom teachers from their prep periods to cover classes. Jamie said the district recorded 1,178 unpaid teacher days this year (966 the prior year) and estimated the proposed increase could amount to roughly $400,000 in additional cost overall, paid from the general fund and categorically aligned funds depending on which teacher is being covered (special education, Title, or general education).
Directors asked where the money would come from; staff confirmed the general fund covers sub costs and that categorical funds within the general fund would be used when appropriate. Directors also asked whether retired or experienced teachers must be retired to receive the higher retired rate; staff clarified the retired daily rate applies to retired teachers.
Why it matters: Higher substitute pay may improve availability of classroom coverage and reduce disruptions to instruction, but it adds to district personnel costs that the board must weigh against other budget priorities.
Next steps: The proposal will return for a formal vote at a later meeting; staff indicated they will include budget-impact details in upcoming reports.
