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District to trial a new substitute-staffing vendor after a proposed 48% rate hike from incumbent
Summary
District business staff reported that the incumbent substitute vendor proposed a roughly 48% rate increase; after canvassing peers the district plans a three-month trial contract with Educational Staffing Services (ESS) starting March 10 and will reassess for FY26.
Business office staff told the board that the district's existing substitute vendor proposed a substantial rate increase and that staff sought alternatives to avoid service disruption.
Mr. Ryan said the incumbent vendor (Kelly Services) unilaterally put forward a contract with what staff understood to be roughly a 48% increase. District business staff consulted peer districts and received proposals from Educational Staffing Services (ESS), which offered lower rates and broader coverage including specialized special-education substitutes, custodial coverage and nursing services.
To avoid a lapse in substitute coverage, staff recommended using board policy (policy 3323) to enter a short-term contract with ESS from March 10 through June 30 while the district evaluates performance and cost. Ryan said ESS agreed in writing not to increase rates for the next fiscal year if the district continues the relationship.
Board members asked about invoicing practices and predictability; staff explained invoicing is monthly and the district is building historical usage data to better project annual costs. Staff emphasized the trial allows the district to maintain continuity of service while seeking long-term procurement options.
