Parents raise concerns about long‑term substitute placement at Dow Elementary

A Dow Elementary parent addressed the Board of County Commissioners during public comment on Jan. 14 to report concerns about placement of a long‑term substitute teacher in a first‑grade classroom.

Nicole Daub said a 19‑year‑old with no formal teaching qualifications or “meaningful classroom experience” was placed as a long‑term substitute for a five‑week assignment and that parents were notified just one day before winter break. She told the board the family had not received a substantive response from the superintendent and asked the district to place a qualified educator, to adopt clearer standards for long‑term substitutes and to improve communication with parents.

Her husband, Daniel Bowman, added a brief comment and provided the board with the teacher introduction the school sent to parents. County officials said they would forward the concern to the superintendent; no board action was taken during the meeting.

Why it matters: Parents said the assignment raised questions about district standards and transparency for long‑term substitutes in early elementary grades, a stage parents described as critical for development and classroom stability.