POULSBO — For the first time since the 2002-03 school year, wages for certified substitute teachers working in the North Kitsap School District have increased.
The small boost was unanimously approved by members of the NKSD School Board Wednesday and will result in substitute teachers receiving $110 per day for their first 29 days of work and $125 per day after their 30th day of work within the district. Prior to the bump, subs made $108 and $120 dollars per day, respectively.
NKSD resources director Chris Willits praised the pay hike.
“It’s been one of those things thats been on our radar for a while,” he said. “Our budget this year allowed us the opportunity to do something for these folks.”
During the discussion period prior to the board’s approval of the resolution, school board member Catherine Ahl expressed her support for increasing the wages.
“Raising their pay is very critical. We want to get quality substitute teachers. How do we compare to other schools in Kitsap County regarding the wages we offer?” Ahl asked Willits.
Even the though the pay increases may seem small, Willits said the additional wages of $2 per day and $5 per day brings the NKSD to levels comparable with the Central Kitsap, South Kitsap and Bremerton school districts.
“Most schools in Kitsap County offer substitutes between $105 and $110 per day when they first start,” he said. “So right now we’re at the top and still out at the front of the wage scale compared to schools in our area.”
At present, 120 substitute teachers are registered within the NKSD this school year.
“The role they play is critical, especially during the flu season when the demand for substitute teachers is high,” Willitis said.
He hopes the increased wages will result in more substitute teachers choosing the NKSD over neighboring districts.
“We want to ensure that if somebody has a choice of three districts, they choose us,” he said. “We want to have a qualified supply of subs available. I think the increases will send a message that we appreciate the job they do for the district.”
