Q:  Why are we planning to not have a substitute fill-rate of 100% to provide the dollars to increase substitute pay, this doesn't sound like a solid business plan?

A:  In reviewing the data from last school year, our substitute fill rate was less than 80% in most of our schools.  This is unacceptable and impacts student achievement.  In conversation with our Substitute Provider Company, we realized that many of our surrounding districts pay substitutes more than Shippensburg does or have plans to do so.  It comes down to supply and demand and some substitutes will drive a few extra miles to receive higher wages.

In determining how we could fund the increased pay for this year, we realized that the budgeted amount for substitutes for the 2016-17 school year was at a 100% fill-rate.  While 100% is always the goal, the reality is that it will be a major improvement to get to 90%.  The extra 10% provides the funds to increase the substitute pay from $85/day to $88/day on October 1, and then to $90/day on February 1st.

Next year's budget will include the higher pay rate and we will also budget for a fill-rate higher than 90%.

Thank you for the inquiry.