Some Muscogee teachers will get extra pay if school board approves this proposal
Muscogee County School District teachers and paraprofessionals who cover a class for an absent teacher when a substitute couldn’t will receive extra pay if the board approves the superintendent’s recommendation.
The administration presented the proposal at Monday night’s board work session. The board is scheduled to vote on it during the Aug. 15 meeting.
Extra pay in such situations would be given as follows:
- $20 per period for teachers when they use their planning period to cover a teacher’s short-term absence (1-5 days).
- $25 per period for teachers when they use their planning period to cover a teacher’s long-term absence (after the fifth day).
- $50 per teacher when students are added to their classroom from classes without a teacher that day.
- $35 per day for paraprofessionals when they cover a teacher’s absence.
MCSD estimates that implementing the plan would cost approximately $2 million this academic year.
The proposal rationale stems from a shortage of teachers and substitutes.
For example, last school year MCSD filled 40% of its teacher absences with a substitute, according to the agenda. That means most of those classes were covered by their respective colleagues who were diverted from their regular schedule or were given added responsibilities for additional students sent to their classroom from uncovered classes.
During the work session, District 4 representative Naomi Buckner asked how the administration determined how much extra pay to give those who cover classes for absent teachers. Superintendent David Lewis said it’s based on what substitute teachers are being paid and what MCSD can afford in its budget.
“This is a way to acknowledge them, acknowledge what they’re doing on behalf of their students and to thank them and give them a little bit of extra money in their paycheck to tell them that they’re valued,” said District 7 representative Cathy Williams.
District 5 representative Laurie McRae suggested increasing the proposed amount of extra pay for parapros who cover classes for absent teachers.
“I know they get paid substantially less because they do not have certain certifications,” she said. “But when they are getting pulled and put in front of a class, having to take on the role and responsibility of a teacher, I think their pay should be more equitably.”
This story was originally published August 10, 2022 at 11:33 AM.
