Troy schools hope to bolster ranks with returning college students

Are you a college student on break looking to make some change? Troy Public Schools might have a job for you.

In efforts to bolster their ranks during the holiday season, the district is encouraging returning college students this year to work as substitute employees.

Troy Superintendent Jake Francom said college students routinely pick up a short time job at the district while on break. With schools facing a potential shortage of staff due to the coronavirus pandemic, he said Troy is counting on these seasonal workers now more than ever.

“The big thing that’s going to help us continue [offering in-person instruction] is having good substitutes,” Francom said.

Teacher, classroom aide, kitchen worker and custodian positions paying $125 per day are available, according to a post on the district’s Facebook page.

Troy officials began their search for substitute staff in October when a round of quarantine orders cut down the number of district employees available to work in-person. Since then, Francom said the district has brought on a few custodian and food services substitutes.

A dearth of qualified staff in the area has led to a couple temporary classroom closures at Libby Public Schools. Both the Libby Elementary School and the Libby Middle High School have switched to remote learning schedules twice in the past month after health officials grew concerned that the coronavirus might be spreading inside buildings. Administrators simultaneously realized they would have too many teachers in quarantine to keep school doors open.

Currently, the schools are on a remote learning schedule, which Libby Superintendent Ron Goodman said would last until Nov. 30.

Between closures, a lack of substitutes also required Libby Elementary School administrators to move two classes — one kindergarten and a second grade class — to remote schedules on Nov. 9.

While Troy Public Schools have remained open, the district moved to a more restricted phase of their pandemic guidelines after two staff members tested positive for the virus. Previously, students moved between classes in cohorts. Starting Oct. 8, however, they have stayed isolated in their classrooms throughout the day with teachers rotating between the groups.

For substitutes looking to work beyond the holiday season, Troy Schools offers a $300 bonus for 30 days of work. Officials also promise bonuses of $600 and $1,000 for those who work 60 and 100 days respectively.

“We pay more than the vast majority of districts,” Francom said.

The mean hourly wage for substitute teachers in Montana in May 2019 was $10.65, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Those interested in applying for a position are asked to contact the district office at 406-295-4520 and speak with Trinette Todd, district clerk.