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Kelly Education pitches pay-by-use substitute staffing; board agrees to consider action next month
Summary
A Kelly Education representative told trustees the company can increase substitute fill rates and relieve district staff of admin burdens by managing recruiting, screening and payroll. The district will place the proposal on next month’s action agenda for decision; Kelly confirmed a 60-day termination clause.
A representative from Kelly Education presented a proposal to the Hoke County Schools trustees to outsource substitute staffing, saying the company would recruit, screen, onboard and pay substitute teachers while relieving district administrators of daily staffing calls.
The presenter said Kelly works in 39 states and partners with districts across the Carolinas; in nearby Robeson County Kelly reported increasing fill rates to about 95% of assignments. The company described a pay-by-use arrangement rather than a subscription model and said it starts early each morning to fill unplanned absences. "So you only pay for what you use," the presenter said.
Kelly said the district paid about $1.7 million for substitutes in the referenced fiscal year while budgeting $2 million. The company said it would pick up an existing frontline system fee (cited as about $21,000 per year) and provide an on-site liaison to coordinate with school staff. Kelly also described background checks, payroll processing and weekly pay for substitutes, and said benefits would be optional for the substitute employees.
Board members asked about cost and operational impact. A finance presenter clarified that the district currently appropriates substitute funds, so Kelly would be paid from existing substitute allocations rather than creating a new recurring line item. Kelly confirmed the agreement would include a 60-day termination right "at any time," allowing the district to end the contract if the service does not meet expectations.
The board indicated it wants the item returned as an action item next month for a formal vote so trustees can review contract terms and any cost calculations before deciding.
