SCSD#1 Board Discusses Substitute Teachers, Housing

The SCSD#1 School Board Trustees held a work session on Tuesday, Nov. 7, in Big Horn. The board discussed housing options for new hires, they talked about finding ways to provide temporary housing for those teachers coming into the district to give them a ‘bridge’ until they can find a more permanent place to live. Business manager Jeremy Smith joined the discussion via zoom to talk about some ideas on housing.

Another on-going discussion is out-of-district students who may want to attend schools in SCSD#1.

Superintendent Jeff Jones talked to the board about substitute teachers, which are in short supply, and the fact that it used to be a long process, getting the training and submitting the application to the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board. Jones explained,

He added that those wanting to train to be a substitute teacher now have more flexibility to do it on their own time by being able to do the training online instead of the school putting on workshops or training sessions. “Having the flexibility to do it on-line is really helpful,” Jones said.

He said that with a lack of substitutes, it was difficult for other teachers to take on a class in addition to their other work. He added that it is stressful to teachers or administrators to come to school as a thinking that you have a certain amount of time to get your work done and find that you have to you pitch in and help sub in another class. You lose time that you thought you had to prepare for your own job, he said.

He added,

“We want to encourage people to reach out and get involved and help to fill a need in our school system.” Jones said. Those interested can contact Superintendent Jeff Jones at 307-655-9541, extension 1132.