Polson School District boosts substitute pay

The Polson School District has responded to its substitute teacher shortage by increasing the daily pay rate from $96 to $120.

The daily rate had been $96 since 2017.

“We have struggled to fill teacher vacancies since the beginning of the year,” Scott Boen, director of human resources for the Polson district, said in a press release. “We raised the substitute teacher pay to be more competitive in the labor market and recruit qualified applicants."

Teachers and support staff have been spread thin in the Polson schools. “Colleagues are covering for colleagues and principals are covering classes. We’ve been pulling paraprofessionals from their classrooms to cover classes, which means one less adult is available for duties and to assist with supervision. This, in turn, is impacting school policies and discipline,” said Luke Mills, assistant principal at the Polson Middle School.

The district has contended with the shortage in a variety of ways. On several occasions, four or more classes had to be placed in the auditorium,” Polson High School Principal Andy Fors said.

Those interested in working as a substitute teacher for the Polson School District may apply on the district’s website.