SUBSTITUTE RESOLUTION NO. RS2008-320

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Nashville Public School system is currently experiencing a shortage of qualified substitute teachers willing to accept classroom assignments; and

WHEREAS, as a result of the substitute teacher shortage, many classroom teachers are not being granted professional leave to attend seminars and other professional development programs; and

WHEREAS, although the Metropolitan Board of Public Education provides a financial incentive to substitute teachers willing to work ten consecutive days, this incentive program appears to be insufficient to eliminate the substitute shortage; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Board of Public Education currently employs numerous administrative staff working at the Bransford Avenue building; and

WHEREAS, many of the administrative personnel are former classroom teachers who are well qualified to serve as substitute teachers; and

WHEREAS, requiring these administrative employees, especially those who are former classroom teachers, to serve a reasonable number of days as substitute teachers would help alleviate the substitute teacher shortage and would provide the administrators with hands-on experience and insight regarding the challenges classroom teachers face on a day-to-day basis.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Metropolitan Board of Public Education to consider requiring certain administrative staff to serve a limited number of days as substitute teachers to assist with the substitute teacher shortage within the Metro Nashville Public Schools.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Mr. Chris Henson, the interim Director of the Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, and to each member of the Metropolitan Board of Public Education.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Duane Dominy