Board approves ~$7M Kelly Education contract after district reports 96% substitute fill rate

The Shawnee Mission School District approved a contract with Kelly Education to provide substitute-teacher services for the 2026–27 school year, with administration estimating an annual cost of approximately $7 million to be paid from operating funds.

Human resources and partner representatives presented eight years of data and said the district’s sub fill rate remained strong despite a year-over-year vacancy uptick. "Our fill rate stayed at a, very nice number at 96 percent," said a Kelley Education representative, who credited recruitment and a large sub pool (677 substitutes at year end) for steady coverage. Administrators noted that additional paid building substitutes are budgeted in the operating fund to stabilize daily coverage.

The board asked questions about coverage gaps (administration reported four elementary buildings still have openings) and next steps to recruit full-time building subs. Dr. Higgins and his team said they will continue targeted recruitment and consider benefit offerings and incentives used last year (a $5 per‑day pay increase approved previously and a $100 monthly incentive for subs working 90% of available days).

The board approved the Kelly contract on a voice vote (motion carries 6-0). The vote followed a public presentation and question-and-answer period. Administration will provide the board routine updates on substitute staffing and costs.