By Howard Packowitz

NORMAL – The Unit 5 School Board is giving the district’s substitute teachers their first pay raise since 2001.

The amount of the pay raise depends how many days they’re able to work. Like other districts, Unit 5 struggles to find enough substitutes.

Regular substitutes will make $85 a day, up from $80, for the first 15 days, and $100 if they work more than 60 days. Retired Unit 5 teachers who stay on as subs will make up to $120.

Board member Amy Roser said at Wednesday night’s board meeting that the pay increases are a “great start,” and another board member, Meta Mickens-Baker, said, “We really appreciate our subs.”

Mickens-Baker hopes the higher pay will make it more attractive for substitutes to do the work.

Substitute teacher Dawn Leman noted pay is the same as in District 87, but below other surrounding districts.

The board’s action caps a five-month effort in which substitutes publicly appealed to the board for more pay and better working conditions.

“The needle has shifted slightly,” said Leman.

“Once you start talking and having a conversation, some things get done,” she added.

Annual cost to taxpayers is estimated at almost $126,000, taking into account pay raises for long-term substitutes. Long-term subs sit in for teachers on family leave or other reasons.

The district is now paying substitutes twice a month, like full-time teachers. Subs previously received monthly pay checks.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]