NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The public schools are hoping to recruit and retain substitute teachers by bumping up their pay.
The School Committee earlier this month approved increasing the pay scale by $35 to $55 a day and creating a new base of $130 for substitutes with fewer credentials.
"It's been very hard to get substitutes. Many substitutes sign up to sub in multiple districts, and so in order to remain competitive ... we really needed to kind of align our expectations for substitutes, as well as the salary with our neighboring districts," said Superintendent Barbara Malkas.
Nancy Rauscher, director of school finance and operations, said she had contacted business administrators at other schools to work out what they were paying substitutes.
"I did a blend, and it was Lenox, Mount Greylock and Hoosac Valley, and we're landing somewhere right in the middle," she said. "Mount Greylock is at the highest and then Lenox and Hoosac Valley are lower."
Mount Greylock is paying $210 for a certified/retired teacher, Hoosac $140 and Lenox $150, with less for just a college degree. North Adams has been paying a straight $115 per diem and $130 for permanent daily subs.
The new scale increases the per diem and permanent to $150 with college degree or $170 for certified/retired teachers.
A permanent daily sub is a full-time employee who works five days a week and receives benefits. Per diems work up to three days a week.
A new base at $130 allows for at least 48 college credits or passing the ParaPro Assessment, required for teaching assistants.
"One of the objectives was to literally increase the pool of substitutes available to us," said Rauscher. "What we did is we took a look at some of the local districts and their configurations, and also what their scales look like. And one of the decisions that was made was to actually eliminate the criteria of having to have a college degree to be a substitute teacher."
She estimated the total cost for the raises at $55,000, or about one full-time teaching equivalent.
Committee member Richard Alcombright asked which category took the most positions; Assistant Superintendent Timothy Callahan responded, "the problem is we don't have any subs."
But he estimated most would fall in the "college degree" category though the school system hasn't been making that distinction in hiring.
"They tend not to be certified. We haven't had the credential lowered to just a ParaPro ... we're hoping that that will open our pool," Callahan said. "But the reality is, myself, Barbara, the principals, are subbing for these classes right now, so it is a less expensive option."
Malkas said the contract allows for teaching assistants to cover for a teacher, "to sub in effect, so this amount aligns to the in-district TA who has the same credentials as our first per diem category. ...
"So it only makes sense that if we feel that the classroom can be subbed with an existing TA, with that level of credential, that that also be available to individuals who have decided to sign up to be a per diem."
In other business:
• The committee approved school improvement plans and contract language for salary differentials of $3,760 for certified support services (occupational and physical therapists, speech language pathologists and teachers of visually impaired).
Malkas said this for recruitment and retention as North Adams is not only competing with other school districts but health-care establishments as well.
• Accepted a $500 donation to the Drury band from 1Berkshire Strategic Alliance Inc. and donations of $5,000 each from the Ruth Proud Trust and from an anonymous donor to benefit the afterschool ski club for Grades 3 to 6.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
North Adams Public Library Announces Updated Early Literacy Programs for Families
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Youth Services Department of the North Adams Public Library has announced updates to its weekly early literacy programs.
Beginning Tuesday, April 15, "Wigglers & Crawlers" will be held for families with children aged 0-2 years. This program will be led by Youth Services Library Assistant, Ms. Nancy, and will take place weekly at 10:30 AM.
According to the announcement, "The Wigglers & Crawlers program is ideal for babies and toddlers from birth to 2 years old. Caregivers are encouraged to bring a small blanket, a favorite toy, and be ready for a cozy, joyful experience. Participants can expect gentle stories & rhymes, songs & movement, interactive play and bonding time. This program is replacing the current Tuesday “Toddler Time” program."
On Wednesday, April 16, "Junior Story Time" will be held for families with children aged 2-5 years. This program will be led by Youth Services Librarian, Ms. Holly, and will also take place weekly at 10:30 AM.
The announcement states, "Junior Story Time is ideal for children 2 to 5 years old. Ms. Holly will read engaging stories to captivate their young imaginations, sing songs, play games and create a craft based on the day's story to take home. This program will intentionally build language development, fine and gross motor skills, encourage critical thinking, strengthen early literacy skills to build a solid foundation and promote healthy social skills while preparing children for the pre-k and kindergarten setting. This program is replacing the current Wednesday 'Story Time' program."
The library is reportedly collaborating with the North Adams Public School district to align program goals with the school curriculum for school readiness skills.
Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll kicked off "413 Day" at Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art on Sunday before heading to three more locations. click for more
School officials say the fiscal 2026 budget is up by less than one percent — if they didn't have to carry nearly $200,000 for retirements and FICA. click for more
Nearly 70 residents attended a presentation on Saturday morning on how to stitch back together the asphalt desert created by the Central Artery project. click for more
