Volunteer substitute teachers

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Many school districts in Oklahoma are trying something different to save money -- volunteer substitute teachers. <br><br>Tulsa Public Schools started a volunteer program in December.

Monday, February 10th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Many school districts in Oklahoma are trying something different to save money -- volunteer substitute teachers.

Tulsa Public Schools started a volunteer program in December. Officials with the state's largest district say the response has been outstanding.

Now the Oklahoma City district is trying the same thing.

Efforts are under way to put together a 300-person volunteer staff.

District spokeswoman Sherry Fair says the district uses about 300 subs a day.

Fair says the district should begin volunteer teacher orientation this month.

Chief operations officer Manny Soto says he hopes to freeze the use of substitute pay by March 1st.

If the program is a hit, Soto says the district will consider doing it again next school year.