Troy schools looking for substitutes

Troy Public Schools administrators want you — if you’re qualified to serve as a substitute teacher.

Quarantine orders have whittled down the number of district staff able to work in-person, leaving school officials on the lookout for anyone who can run a classroom. Superintendent Jake Francom said bringing on substitutes could make the difference between keeping school doors open and returning to remote learning.

“One thing that is going to allow us to continue is to have good substitutes,” Francom said. “Having a few staff members out to quarantine could shut down schools quickly.”

Last week, Libby Elementary School was closed after health officials found the coronavirus was spreading among staff members. Libby Superintendent Ron Goodman anticipated the district would likely not have enough staff to keep the building open even after health officials finished issuing quarantine orders.

Troy Public Schools have already dropped to a more restrictive version of their operating guidelines after two staff members tested positive for the virus. Previously students rotated between classrooms in cohorts. As of Oct. 8, each cohort is isolated in a classroom throughout the day with teachers rotating between the groups.

Francom said he is looking to hire substitute teachers, classroom aides, bus drivers and custodians. In a Facebook post, school officials announced substitute employees would be paid $125 a day. Francom said the rate for bus drivers was higher at $16 an hour.

Substitutes who work for 30 days will receive a $300 bonus. 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.