Palmerton Area School District adopted a pay increase Tuesday night for substitute teachers and support staff.

The changes, according to Superintendent Angela Friebolin, are set to take effect on Jan. 26.

Daily substitute teaching rates: For daily substitute teachers, the district has established tiered rates based on the number of days worked on a nonconsecutive basis:

1-19 days: $135 per day

20-44 days: $140 per day

45-89 days: $150 per day

Palmerton’s current substitute rate, Board President Earl Paules said, started at $110 per day.

Short-term substitute teaching rates: Substitutes approved by the school board for consecutive assignments in the same position will also see tiered rates:

1-49 days: $155 per day

50-89 days: $160 per day

Long-term substitute

For long-term substitutes working 90 or more consecutive days within the same school year and assignment, compensation will be prorated based on the district’s salary schedule. Specifically, the rate will align with the Step 1 level for a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, depending on the candidate’s educational qualifications. This arrangement also includes a benefits package.

Substitute support positions rates: The district has also standardized pay rates for various substitute support roles. These positions include cafeteria workers, custodians, instructional aides, noninstructional aides, and secretaries, all set at $13 per hour. Meanwhile, substitute health room assistants will receive a daily rate of $135.

New role

In addition to addressing substitute pay, the district is working to develop a temporary Dean of Students position aimed at supporting elementary-level students and providing professional development opportunities for educators.

“This position will be open to teaching staff who wish to explore leadership opportunities without necessarily the risk of losing their current position,” Superintendent Angela Friebolin said.

Once the temporary position is filled, the district plans to backfill the vacated role with a substitute to ensure no disruption to classroom instruction.

Friebolin noted that the position is still in development but expressed confidence that it would be posted soon.