While the bus driver shortage has partly passed, a new phase of the shortage has emerged, a shortage of substitutes. The cause of this seems to be the same for the bus driver shortage-the possible danger of COVID infection while being a sub and the low pay of teachers. 

Principal Robert Shepherd has been dealing with covering unfilled sub positions.

“It has been an issue for the last couple of years, but it has really gotten worse this year,” Shepherd said. “The district has increased sub pay and is offering a bonus to any sub who works 10 days a month in the district.”

Schools around the state have been affected, as teachers and faculty must be pulled out of their classrooms in order to fill the space. Britney Constanzo has subbed for coworkers fourteen times, while trying to limit her own absences.

“I often don’t take off or stay home when I should because I am afraid I won’t be able to get a sub,” Constanzo said. “I mainly just feel bad about having to leave my students and have others sub for me.”

Seventh grader Kannon LeHotta has had Ms. Stettnisch sub for Ms. Holder about three weeks ago.  He didn’t realize it was due to a shortage of subs. 

“I really do hope they fix it,” LeHotta said. “I think it could be hard on the sub and the students, because both have to adjust to each other.”