DU QUOIN -- The Du Quoin School Board engaged in a discussion at last week's regular meeting regarding the availability of substitute teachers in the area and potential ways to attract more substitutes. The matter was brought before the board by Du Quoin Education Association representative Pam Pursell, who expressed her concern with the lack of available subs.
After further discussion, board members approved an increase in substitute teacher pay rates in the district. The daily rate for substitute teaching will now be $80 per day, and for those who substitute greater than 10 days regardless of assignment, the rate will be $90 per day.
For long-term substituting within the same teaching assignment, the rate will be $110 per day with the teacher retirement system contribution being paid by the district.
"The rationale for the increase in pay for substitutes is to hopefully attract a greater number of substitutes and to retain those who work for us throughout the year," said Superintendent Dr. Gary Kelly. "This is not necessarily just a District #300 issue, but one driven by changes at the state level with teacher licensure. Our substitute clerk for the district expects this to make us competitive in attracting substitutes with other districts."
In other board news, the following hires were made after a brief closed session discussion:
• Ali Miller as Freshman Class sponsor
• Lisa Coleman as Speech Team coach and Drama/Theatre sponsor
• Zach Jones as High School Scholar Bowl co-sponsor
• Deana Kelly and Mandie Davis as Elementary School CAP coordinators
• Noah Coleman as volunteer assistant for the Speech Team and Drama/Theatre program
• Sadie Day as an aide for the Arrow Academy program
The board also approved suspensions imposed by each school's administration; the minutes of the August meeting; the payment of bills and financial report; reports submitted to the Illinois State Board of Education; a resolution to transfer funds from the Capital Projects Fund to the Operations and Maintenance Fund for budget purposes; and the submittal of a state library grant application with the Secretary of State's office.
Moreover, the board adopted the 2018-2019 school year budget as presented at the August meeting. No public comment was provided.
The district business manager shared information regarding a change in state law that now directs how charges for school meals will be dealt with in accordance with a new state law. At the next board meeting an updated policy will be presented for the board's consideration.
The board approved a request from the High School FFA sponsors for the High School FFA group to attend the national conference in Indianapolis, Indiana from Oct. 24-26.
