Area school districts cutting pay of substitute teachers

With crippled school budgets, substitute teachers are taking a big hit in the wallet. <br><br>In a trend that seems to be sweeping throughout Tulsa area schools, the Union School Board voted to cut costs

Tuesday, November 12th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

With crippled school budgets, substitute teachers are taking a big hit in the wallet.

In a trend that seems to be sweeping throughout Tulsa area schools, the Union School Board voted to cut costs by cutting substitute pay. Union is the second school district in less than two weeks to trim substitute pay by $10. Union Schools human resources director Cynthia Solomon: "All of the schools are looking for ways to relieve their general fund and this is just one of the steps that most of us are actually forced to take right now because of the budget cuts."

Tulsa schools pay the most for their substitutes at $70 each day for certified teachers and $65 for uncertified. Union joins Broken Arrow and Owasso schools -where subs make $55 to $60 a day. Jenks subs are the lowest paid in the area.

Union School officials say cutting substitute pay will save the district up to $80,000.