Ripon Unified just raised the rates for substitute teachers.

The reason for that was to due to a competitive market, according to Superintendent Bill Draa.

“We have to start somewhere,” he said at the recent school board meeting.

Draa indicated that RUSD draws most of its certified subs from Manteca, Modesto and Tracy. He assured Rod Wright, representatives of the Ripon Unified District Teachers Association, the increase is on par with the likes of Linden, Escalon and Tracy.

“Bringing in subs is a state-wide problem not just here but in every school district,” Draa said. “We have to raise our pay rate in order to be competitive.”

Trustees agreed, approving the increase, 5-0.

A one-day sub will now get $115 for a full day, $57.50 for a half day. The previous daily pay rate was $100 per day, $50 for half.

The Level 2 pay – that’s Day 26 through Day 50 of daily assignment – jumps up, from $110 to $125 for a full day and $55 to $62.50 for a half day.

Once a substitute teacher has reached Level 3 (longevity) in a school year, he or she will remain at this rate from year to year based on active status.

The pay increase goes from $125 to $150 per full day, $62.50 to $75 half.

Those achieving long-term Level 4 status will see an increase, from $150 to $175 per day.

Trustees, meanwhile, gave their OK on the hiring of classified subs. Included were Judith Gillham (RUSD Food Services), and Megan Creel, Clarissa Stuart, and Ines Wanta at the district office.

Manon Roberts-Gowans, Rachelle Clevenger, and Brittany Hamrick were brought in as certificated substitutes for the district while Latecia Gammage was hired as a campus supervisor for Ripon High.

Loren Johnson and Robert Martin, in addition, were announced as the new night custodians at RHS.