Finding substitutes in a non-pandemic year was difficult for school districts across Iowa, but COVID-19 has put a firm spotlight on that issue this year.

Greene County Schools Superintendent Tim Christensen tells Raccoon Valley Radio the number of staff that are absent and trying to find substitutes to take their place has been a real challenge. He says one of the solutions from the state is relaxing the restrictions on allowing associates to sub for longer periods of time.

“We’ve got associates that have their substitute authorizations that are able to cover classes, and then maybe we are short on substitutes. We’ve have had some teachers that they maybe at home but have been able to through technology continue to teach, and we’ll have an associate in the classroom to help with classroom management. We’ve had to combine classes or send kids to study hall. We’re getting things covered to make sure that everybody is safe but sometimes the class is not going on at it typically would.”  

   Paton-Churdan Superintendent Kreg Lensch echoes Christensen’s comments as they have also dealt with the problem internally, as well as using other avenues. 

“That’s part of where other staff members have really stepped up and gone into classrooms on their break time, or we’ve had some associates be able to step up and take that role on. We do have some subs that will come in for us that have helped ease that a little bit.”

Another set of restrictions that have been relaxed through the governor’s office is allowing more individuals to be substitutes. To learn more about those changes or how to become a sub, contact your respective Area Education Agency.