D.M. reconsiders outsourcing substitute teachers

Des Moines Public Schools is rethinking its controversial proposal to outsource substitute teachers to a temp agency — at least for now.

But district officials say that hiring Kelly Educational Staffing to find substitutes remains a possibility — despite adamant opposition expressed at a May 5 school board meeting.

"Let's look at other possibilities," said school board member Connie Boesen, "but also, let's understand what Kelly Educational Staffing really is able to offer."

District spokesman Phil Roeder said in an email Friday that district leaders will seek additional community input, then put together another proposal. That could be a variation on the current outsourcing proposal, or another option altogether, he said.

Des Moines says it needs to look at outsourcing as a way to solve shortfalls that leaves an average of 30 classrooms a day without a substitute.

Teachers are often tapped to fill those shortages, either by giving up planning periods, taking additional students into their classrooms or, for elementary schools, forgoing instructing music, art or P.E.

The decision to regroup and look at alternatives stems from public criticism, questions about implementation and additional information the school board has requested, he said.

"The real work, of course, will be determining which ideas are workable and remain on the table," Roeder said.

Substitute teacher Charles Zanders Sr., a retired marketing manager, said he would stop working before switching to an outsourcing company, because he believes that temp agencies erode the middle class.

"If they go with a temp agency, I'm gone," said Zanders, who coached wrestling and also works with the Boys & Girls Clubs. "I'll find something else to do that interests me."

Some fear if Des Moines contracts with Kelly, other Iowa districts may follow the state's largest school district in outsourcing subs. In a rare interjection into local issues, the state teachers union stepped in to oppose the plan.

Andrew Rasmussen, president of the Des Moines Education Association, has argued that the switch could decrease the number of licensed substitutes who have completed a teacher preparation program, which is required of full-time teachers, and instead increase the number of substitutes with less training. The union does not represent substitutes.

He said he'd like to see teachers, parents and substitutes weigh in on any proposals developed.

"That's the best way to go about it, to get everybody at the table, and get all the brains working together to devise a solution," he said.

No timeline is set, although some hope a solution can be developed by fall.

"I think it's a good move, to listen to what the community has to say," said school board member Pat Sweeney, who opposes outsourcing. "It'll be nice to have something in place by next school year."