Waging a beef: Fredonia criticized for substitute rates
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After not seeing enough progress since her last visit to the Board of Education over a year ago, Beverli Horrocks recently stepped up to the microphone again.
A retired out-of -district teacher, Horrocks spoke at a recent Fredonia Board of Education meeting regarding inadequate pay rates and training for substitute teachers in the district.
"It is time that Fredonia starts paying their substitutes a competitive per diem wage," Horrocks said. "... For a district that prides itself for being one of excellence, the wages paid to substitutes are below expectations."
Horrocks stated she has a Master's Degree in Education with a specialty in reading, with certifications in counseling, special education counseling, and learning disabilities. She has served as a substitute at Fredonia for over 10 years across various grade levels and locations.
Still, despite her qualifications and experience, Horrocks stated she receives a daily rate of $115 to substitute teach at Fredonia. Horrocks claimed her rate is $4.37 less than the starting salary at Tim Hortons.
"Having good substitutes is a valuable commodity for any district. Having good experienced subs, even moreso. Keeping them requires the districts to find the means to show them their value, with the wages complementary and competitive," Horrocks said. "We have no other benefits. Tim Hortons at least gives a discount on the coffee."
Horrocks stated at Silver Creek, she receives $150 per day as a retired teacher. At Dunkirk, where she has applied, she stated the starting rate is $165, which progresses based on education and experience.
When Horrocks spoke a year ago, she asked for additional training, as well as wage increases for district substitutes. Horrocks said she received a handbook this year, but it did not offer any guidance with operating technology the district features.
Horrocks highlighted that when she substitute teaches at Silver Creek, she is visited by a technology expert each morning to make sure the equipment works properly and that Horrocks – and other substitutes – can operate the necessary technology.
"We have gotten to know each other very well," Horrocks said. "Those of us 'seasoned warriors' are used to chalkboards, projectors, and tape recorders as our media equipment."
After Horrocks finished addressing the Board of Education, Board President Brian Aldrich stated, "Thank you. We appreciate your comments."