Youngstown teachers' absenteeism rate is high

YOUNGSTOWN — The city school district has spent nearly $7 million on substitute teachers the last five years, with more than three more months left in this school year.

The district pays substitutes $70 per day plus costs for the State Teachers Retirement System, Medicare and worker’s compensation which totals $88.72 per day.

At 10 days, the base amount increases to $75 per day and at 60 days, it increases to $162.42 per day plus health benefits.

Through Feb. 8, the district spent more than $669,000 on substitutes this year and $1.7 million for subs last school year. The totals include money from the general fund, federal dollars that carry restrictions on their use and all other funds.

Substitutes are called in when a teacher is absent for any reason, from sickness, personal time or family death or illness to military leave, workshops, professional development training or jury duty.

Through January, the Youngstown district has had 4,374 teacher absences this school year. Chaney Campus (grades 6-12) logged the most with 500 followed by East High with 459.

For the complete story, read Sunday's Vindicator and Vindy.com