CVUSD considering ‘roving teachers’ to fill need for subs

“We’re trying to provide stability and consistency,” said Coachella Valley Unified School District Superintendent Darryl Adams.

As 54 CVUSD teachers with pink slips await their fate with the district, the school board Thursday night discussed a possible solution for at least some: creating 22 “roving teacher” positions.

“The district is going to hire some of our RIF teachers into positions. They may be situated at this site and if a teacher is out they will cover that spot,” said Richard Razo, president of the Coachella Valley Teachers Association.

The sub day rate at CVUSD is $105, but the district said it would honor the laid off teachers’ previous salaries in addition to offering them priority for these positions.

“Teachers who are brought on will be paid their regular rate and we would embellish that by giving their benefits as well,” Adams said.

The district and the teachers union say this solution would also provide a buffer for those laid off until a position in their department opens. CVUSD will decide on these roving positions and the 54 layoffs at next Tuesday’s emergency meeting.

“If you do the math and you find out the staffing needs for the district, they have to bring some of these people back,” Razo said.

School officials say finding substitute teachers is a common problem.

“All the districts here in the valley and statewide have problems getting substitutes,” Adams said.

“We’ll have two or three teachers out and no one to cover their classes,” Razo said.

The standard day rate for valley subs ranges from $90 to $105 with higher pay for long-term assignments. But, if you’re interested in becoming a substitute teacher you must first pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) and have a bachelor’s degree.

For information on applying to be a substitute teacher at a valley district, visit the following websites:

Desert Sands Unified
Palm Springs Unified
Coachella Valley Unified