briefs school board

by Olivia Lueckemeyer

Permanent substitute teachers to be hired across RE1J

During a presentation to the RE1J board on Monday, June 22, business manager Stephanie Juneau proposed that permanent substitute teacher positions be instituted across the district as a method of offsetting the financial burden of providing health insurance to an unpredictable number of substitute teachers each year.

Under the Affordable Care Act, all employees averaging at least 30 hours per week must be offered health insurance. Since substitute teacher hours fluctuate from year to year, Juneau recommended her idea as a way for RE1J to guarantee the number of substitutes receiving health insurance.

While hours for non-permanent substitute teachers won’t be limited, Juneau says the district can anticipate that, on average, those positions will not exceed 30 hours per week due to the permanent substitute teachers working consistently. Through consulting with superintendent Doug Tredway, Juneau came to the recommendation of two permanent positions in Gunnison, at the community school and high school, and one at the Crested Butte Community School. A fourth position may be instated.

Those holding this position would be required to be present at their designated site each day for seven and a half hours to either fill in for an absent teacher or assist in other areas. The permanent substitutes would be given salaried wages, which are already accounted for in the district’s general fund. The motion to create these positions was voted on and approved unanimously.