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District hears pitch from Kelly Education on contracted substitute staffing; questions on cost and control remain
Summary
A Kelly Education representative outlined a contracted, employer‑of‑record substitute staffing model that would recruit, train and manage substitutes and bill the district only for filled assignments. Board members pressed for details on markup, training of existing substitutes, principal control over preferred substitutes and guarantees for fill rates.
Bladen County Schools heard a presentation from Kelly Education on a managed substitute‑staffing model that would shift hiring, training and payroll for substitutes to the vendor.
Priscilla Brayboy introduced Kelly Education's representatives, who explained the company's approach: it recruits and screens substitute candidates, provides mandatory pre‑hire training and continuing professional development, manages scheduling through an automated system and acts as employer of record so substitutes receive weekly pay and benefit options. "You don't pay anything unless we fill a classroom," the presenter said, describing a markup formula based on local wages and usage rather than an implementation fee.
Board members sought specifics about cost, applicability to existing substitutes and how principals could retain input. Kelly representatives said existing district substitutes could be grandfathered into the program and that principals could designate preferred or excluded substitutes for particular buildings or classrooms. The vendor said it aims for higher fill rates through year‑round recruiting and by operating an automated scheduling plus a morning contact team that fields same‑day absences.
Board members also asked about screening and compliance; Kelly said hires undergo criminal background checks and state/federal screenings and that staff are re‑screened after lengthy absences. Administration said further consultation would be required before any contractual arrangement and that the board would evaluate potential cost neutrality during follow‑up negotiations.
What happens next: Administration will follow up with cost estimates, compare potential markups against current in‑house costs and may bring a drafted contract or recommendation to a future meeting for consideration.
