Lincoln, Neb. – In response to a persistent shortage of substitute teachers, Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) has formally requested that the Nebraska Department of Education grant local substitute permits the ability to work beyond the usual 90‑day limit. The district hopes the waiver will keep experienced substitutes in classrooms and preserve instructional continuity for students.
Why the request matters
State regulations typically restrict local substitute permits to 90 full‑time days per school year. When districts demonstrate a genuine need, they may apply for an exemption that allows certain substitutes to remain on staff for additional days. LPS, which currently employs 692 substitutes—down from 837 the previous year—has identified a shortfall that threatens daily classroom coverage.
District perspective
Dr. Jenny Fundus, LPS’s human resources supervisor for substitutes, explained that the district sometimes cannot fill every open position with a qualified substitute. “When that happens, we ask our teachers to give up their plan time and get paid for doing so, then we use those teachers to cover the class,” she said. At the elementary level, the district may also split students among other classrooms, and administrators sometimes step in personally to teach.
Fundus emphasized the importance of retaining seasoned substitutes. “We have some really great local subs who are willing to work past that 90‑day limit, and we want them in our schools to be with our kids and help make sure instruction stays the same and consistent for kids,” she said.
Impact on students and families
Substitutes play a critical role beyond simply filling seats. “We need subs to be in school every day because we need a responsible, professional adult in the classroom, not only providing instruction but also serving as a positive role model,” Fundus added. This focus aligns with the community’s desire for stable learning environments, especially in schools on the outer edges of the district where finding replacements is especially challenging.
State response
The Nebraska Department of Education confirmed it is aware of the ongoing substitute shortage and that districts demonstrating need may request authorization for extended work periods. While the department has not yet issued a decision on LPS’s request, the process underscores the state’s willingness to work with local districts to address staffing gaps.
Looking ahead
LPS continues to recruit additional individuals willing to serve as substitutes. The district’s proactive approach reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that every classroom has a qualified adult present, supporting both academic achievement and the moral development of students.
As the school year progresses, the outcome of LPS’s request will be closely watched by other Nebraska districts facing similar staffing challenges. A successful waiver could set a precedent for flexible staffing solutions that prioritize consistent, high‑quality education for Nebraska’s children.
Original reporting: KLKN-TV – News, Weather and Sports for Lincoln, Nebraska — read the source article.
