In a recent hybrid meeting of the Beverly Public Schools School Committee, key discussions centered around the challenges of staffing and substitute coverage in the district, particularly in special education. As the school year approaches its end, the urgency to address these issues has become increasingly apparent.

One of the highlights of the meeting was the introduction of a new schedule for middle school teachers, designed by Ms. Oliver. This schedule allows teachers to attend special education meetings twice a week without requiring coverage from other staff, thereby alleviating some of the strain on substitute resources. The committee emphasized the importance of being flexible and responsive to changing needs, particularly if unexpected student enrollments occur.

However, the conversation quickly turned to the ongoing struggle to maintain an adequate pool of substitute teachers. The district currently pays substitutes $135 a day, a rate that aligns with nearby communities, but the challenge remains in attracting enough qualified individuals, especially for special education roles. The committee noted that while there are 80 names on the substitute list, only about 40 are consistently available, highlighting a significant gap in coverage during peak absence periods.

The meeting also addressed the broader implications of these staffing challenges. With an average of 50 teachers absent on any given day, the district faces difficulties in securing enough substitutes, particularly during spikes in absences. The committee discussed the potential for increasing substitute pay to attract more candidates, recognizing that this is a widespread issue not unique to Beverly.

As the committee looks ahead, they are tasked with balancing immediate staffing needs with long-term planning. The discussions underscored the importance of preserving the quality of education and support services for students, particularly those with special needs. The urgency of these conversations reflects a commitment to ensuring that all students receive the attention and resources they require, even as the district navigates the complexities of staffing and budgetary constraints.