rachelh@myweeklysentinel.com
CANTON — The administration team at Canton Area School District will address the issue of substitute shortages and prepare for next school board meeting, says Canton’s superintendent Dr. Eric Briggs.
“There are many factors contributing to this issue, however, one of the leading causes of this issue in my professional opinion is the lack of teachers entering the field,” said Dr. Briggs.
In data he compiled, he noted that in 2010/2011, the state issued 21,045 teaching certificates. In the 2019/2020 year, there were 6,937. This year, they issued about 3,000 for December graduates, he said.
“Over the next month, our administrative team will be meeting to explore creative options on how to address the issue,” he said.
He plans to share data with the board on the options they explored with the hope to come to the board with a proposal on how to address the situation as an agenda item for the March meeting.
Areas of focus will include substitute teacher pay, tracking professional staff attendance and possible incentives for them.
“Our hope is to have something permanent in place for the start of the 2022/2023 school year, but look to make some minor changes from March until the end of this school year,” he said.
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Dr. Eric Briggs started his monthly report noting some highlight’s from Gov. Wolf’s budget proposal and its impact on public education.
He said they are looking at a 3.5 million increase for Level Up in the state. Canton is a district that gets funding from that source.
“Because we are identified as one of the 100 school districts that is severely underfunded,” said Dr. Briggs. There will also be a $200 million increase in special education, $60 million increase in pre-k counts and $6 million increase in career tech as well as extra funding for public and student charter transportation, early intervention, school food services, textbook materials and equipment for non-public schools, safe schools initiatives and trauma informed education.
March 15 will be spring Title 1 family night in the elementary.
“We’re excited to have this event back in person this spring,” said Dr. Briggs.
He concluded his report by recognizing teacher Darlene Young, with 19 1/2 years of service to the district and thanked her for her time there.
Paraprofessional Kim Cole was also recognized, with 15 years of service to the district.
Janice Brown, a cafeteria worker, was also recognized for 13 1/2 years of service to the district.
Finally, Nick Porter, an evening custodian, was recognized with 2 years of service to the district.
The next Canton Area School District meeting will be Thursday, March 10, at 5 p.m. in the district’s high school library.