At last night’s meeting, the Marshalltown School Board approved implementing a $5,000 sign-on bonus for individuals who apply for district positions that typically are hard to fill during the average year.

The same incentive was previously in place for special education teachers in the district providing they make a three year commitment to their position upon being hired. Under the new incentive, high school French, Industrial Arts, and two secondary math positions would also be included under the sign-up bonus system.

The board last night also approved increasing the current pay rate for substitute teachers within the district from $120 to $130 per day.
According to Marshalltown School Superintendent Theron Schutte, becoming a substitute typically requires for an individual to pursue a sub-authorization in order to become legally certified under today’s current teaching guidelines. Dr. Schutte says the certification process continues to be an ongoing issue of debate in the Iowa Legislature.