It is difficult to recruit and retain substitute teachers.

That is a challenge facing Geary USD 475 and other districts.

This week the USD 475 Board of Education heard a proposal on the possible use of “KELLY,” a company that can provide that service.  Bridget Seeman, Executive Director of Human Resource Services for USD 475, stated that KELLY is one possible solution to the problem, that could be sent to the Board. “That’s about having someone come in and operate the subs for us, little longer arm of recruiting and retaining, that’s the hope.”

Seeman confirmed over time the cost to the district could be as high as  $50,000 per year but staff also made it clear to the Board keeping the duties in house would also be more costly to USD 475 in the future.

There are about 120 active subs that can be available but in the last five weeks on Friday 120 plus were required. But the district has to compete with Manhattan, Riley County, and Chapman for substitute teachers.

Seeman reported that one problem is that obtaining subs to pick up last minute jobs. As a result teachers have to be paid to cover the vacvancies, which pulls them away from other duties and responsibilities. That can also involve combining classes at the elementary school level.

KELLY recruits substitute teachers, which in turn gives the regular teachers back their time.  KELLY also offers weekly pay, benefits, a bonus plan, and 401K.

Substitute teachers are needed to cover regular classroom teachers for a variety of abscences ranging from illness to school sponsored trips to school improvement sessions.

The topic is expected to be brought back to the BOE with a recommendation at their June meeting.