Dayton Public Schools headquarters is at 136 S. Ludlow St. in Dayton. BRYANT BILLING/STAFF Bryant Billing
The Dayton Education Association wants Dayton Public Schools to restore healthcare to about 200 long-term substitute teachers who were terminated at the end of May.
Neil Mahoney, the DEA president, said the DEA contract does not cover long-term substitute teachers. However, Mahoney said these long-term substitutes, who don’t have teaching licenses but do have college degrees, have traditionally been treated as first-year teachers and get benefits like health insurance while they work.
“Our stance is, you have never done this before,” Mahoney said.
Dayton Public Schools superintendent David Lawrence said the district has historically rolled all long-term substitute teachers over. But the district’s goal is to have all qualified teachers, he said, and only plans to rehire substitute teachers after Aug. 15.
Dayton Public has a high number of long-term substitute teachers compared to other districts.
Lawrence said the district plans to offer contracts to 20 high-performing substitute teachers to get teaching licenses through a contract with the University of Dayton. UD, Dayton Public and the teacher will each cover a third of the cost, he said, and those 20 individuals will be offered health insurance for July.
“The district wants to treat all employees, including long-term substitutes, with dignity and respect,” Lawrence said.
Mahoney said the substitute teachers did not get any warning that their health insurance would be terminated. Many found out while they were at the doctor’s office or in the pharmacy line, he said.
“This has caused a traumatic effect for multiple families,” Mahoney said.
Lawrence said the district placed their employment in the contract and principals were told to remind substitute teachers that their last day was June 11. Employers do not have to continue covering health insurance for employees who no longer work for them.
The DEA has filed a grievance, but Mahoney said he is seeking other avenues, such as asking lawyers in the area to take on a class action lawsuit on behalf of the substitute teachers.
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