Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Staff Retention Substitutes topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Classified staff and teachers urge board to address substitute shortages and low pay
Summary
Classified staff and teachers told the board substitute coverage is inadequate, cleaning is inconsistent, and modest cost‑of‑living increases are not keeping pace — factors they say are undermining retention and school operations.
Classified and certificated representatives told the board a chronic shortage of substitutes and low relative pay are forcing coworkers to cover additional shifts and limiting staff ability to take earned leave.
Cindy Bell, CSCA president, said classified staff are struggling to find substitutes to fill absences, which pushes extra work onto colleagues and prevents employees from taking contracted time off. Lisa McBroom and Sarah Liebert described increased workloads for teachers and custodians, citing uncleaned tables and bathrooms amid circulating illnesses. "Most of the surrounding districts pay much more," CSCA president Cindy Bell said, arguing that pay differentials complicate retention and recruitment.
Superintendent outlined planned onboarding and training for classified staff (public school works modules, active supervision, de‑escalation strategies) and said November training dates are being scheduled; trustees asked for further detail on substitute recruitment strategies and partnerships with local institutions. The board requested follow‑up reports on substitute sourcing and proposed support options such as a vice‑principal or other site leadership to relieve pressure at the most impacted campuses.
