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MONTROSE, N.Y. – Hendrick Hudson School District will begin paying substitute teachers 10 percent less, beginning Feb. 13. The new rate will be effective for all substitute teachers, including those that have already begun covering long-term teacher absences, for between six and eight weeks.
Daniel McCann, superintendent of Hen Hud Schools, said compared to most other school districts Hen Hud pays substitute teachers “lower than most, but not the lowest.” The district is facing a $2.6 million shortfall, to present a budget under the tax levy cap enacted by the state. If the district chooses to present a budget that overrides the tax levy cap, they will have to pass the budget with a 60 percent supermajority of popular vote.
The daily rate for substitute teachers is $80 currently, and will drop to $72 beginning Feb. 13. Currently, long-term teachers are paid $150 daily, and will be paid $135 daily for the six to eight week maternity leaves.
Officials said they hope to save $40,000 annually using this measure, their substitute teacher budget is approximately $400,000 annually. The district went over budget last year by about $40,000, according to Enrique Catalan, assistant superintendent of business.
William Oricchio was the only board member to vote against changing the long-term substitutes pay rate while they are in the middle of covering for another teacher. Oricchio said he was disturbed that the district would not honor its initial commitment to pay the long-term substitute teachers $150 per day, and would change the rate to $135 per day for all substitutes regardless of when they began.
“I don’t think it’s that critical an issue,” said Mary-Pat Briggi, fellow board member, to Oricchio’s question about whether the district might pay long-term substitutes the promised rate for the duration of their stay.
“If people were choosing one job over another I might agree,” said Alice Gottlieb, assistant superintendent of curriculum.
McCann agreed, saying there is “lots of competition for those positions.”
Letters will be sent to the district’s substitute teachers immediately. The letters have already been prepared, according to district officials.
Comments (5)
Has administration taken any pay cuts? Easy to take away from the bottom when it should start from the top
THANKS a lot. SO you think we subs will answer the calls, huh? Wait till teacher and admins-robbers get to know what it feels like to have no subs showing up at all.
Amazing, now post-bond vote we're concerned with people budgeting their monies, getting their pay cut and discussing the poor economic conditions? I guess every dollar DOES count.
I too agree with Mr. Oricchio.
The BOE made an agreement for the school year (at the very minimum) and should honor that agreement until June. You can always renegotiate in September. Too many people have budgeted their monies based on what they have been bringing home and even a small decrease *can* have a negative impact.
Sorry I agree with Mr. Orrichio on this one. While I have no issue with the change in policy the district should honor its original agreement with those who are serving long term substitution roles. The comments made seem a bit callous it's like a take it or leave it mentality. Not very professional and in this economy seem to be taking advantage of the economic situation.