In an attempt to address the ongoing shortage of substitute teachers, the Berlin Board of Education has approved an incremental signon bonus of $600 for a year-round substitute teaching position as a way to incentivize potential applicants, The Berlin Sun reported.

Berlin schools Superintendent Julie King said the position was added last year in the hopes of generating more flexibility and preparedness for the staff coverage the district was anticipating due to the pandemic. With a year-round position, the substitute teacher would work every school day.

During the meeting, King offered proposed changes to the board including the possibility of raising the hourly rate of pay for the position, currently set at $12.09 an hour. She also discussed the possibility of offering a sign-on bonus for the position.

But she said that raising the rate of pay for the position could have a domino effect, which could cost the district an additional $35,000 which was not anticipated as part of the budget.