Put teachers before substitutes

The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District is planning to cut 13 teaching positions next school year. Before the district cuts these teachers, though, it must do everything in its power to save them. They are the people who give your children an education, not SMART Boards, not artificial-turf fields and not substitute-teachers.

The Central High School District’s total expenditure for per diem substitute teachers in the 2009-10 school year was $512,365.00. Since the district would lay off its newest teachers first, the substitute-teacher expenditure is equal to the combined pay of about eight regular teachers.

Rarely are substitute-teachers assigned to classes in subjects that they are knowledgeable in, and in my five years of middle and high school, I have never had a substitute-teacher actually teach a lesson. So what is a substitute’s job? A substitute usually takes attendance, turns on a movie or distributes a handout, and then sits at the front desk and watches the class. Of course, the substitute cannot help the students with their handouts because the teacher usually is substituting in the wrong subject. Students would get the same educational benefit if a handout were left at the door and they had to complete it in the cafeteria during what was supposed to be their time in class. So, why are we paying a half-million dollars per year for what are basically babysitters while we are firing 13 teachers?

A student’s education is hurt when a teacher is absent, but if we sent students to the cafeteria (or another large room) instead of being watched by substitutes, their education would not be harmed any further. At Kennedy, there are always numerous aides in the cafeteria, so there’s no need to worry about paying for supervision. And if some law requires that students be babysat by a certified substitute-teacher, then hire two permanent substitutes per building.

At the March 2 Central District Board of Education meeting, I asked the board why we’re paying for babysitters while firing 13 teachers. Dr. Henry Kiernan, the superintendent, answered by saying that the district was considering changes regarding substitute teachers. I sure hope something is done. I know my proposal is not perfect, but to save $512,365 or eight teachers, I’m sure we can figure out something.