Some Parents and Students Say They Don't Want Substitute Teachers

We are just days away from a potential teacher strike in Eagle Point.

The strike is scheduled for May 8.

If the Eagle Point Education Association and the Eagle Point School District can’t sign a deal, it could have an economic impact on the school district.

Mother, Tracie Mobbs said she’s hoping for the best come Monday.

“I think they need to be more for the kids […] and quit thinking about themselves and come to an agreement some how some way,” said Mobbs.

Teachers and the district have been at odds over contract agreements — arguing over teacher prep time, subcontracting agreements and job security for bus drivers.

Teachers said they’ll strike on Tuesday if there’s no headway. If that happens, the district will be forced to bring in substitute teachers.

“We’ve been working to make sure we can find people to come in,” said Michael Remick, HR Director for the Eagle Point School District.

According to Remick, each substitute teacher will cost the district about $165 per day. That’s compared to a contracted teacher which on average costs about $180.

“There is some potential savings there but there are other costs,” said Remick.

But some students and parents aren’t happy with the idea of bringing in so many substitute teachers.

“My son struggles with work as it is, so he needs all the assistance he can get and you get a sub that comes in and he doesn’t know my kid from Adam,” said Mobbs.

“If I lose some of these teachers, i’m going to have a real hard time learning,” began Mobb’s son Andy Ashley, an 8th grader at Eagle Point Middle School.

“I just have a hard time learning with other teachers, subs,” he continued.

Students, parents, teachers, and the district are all hoping to avoid a strike after nearly 14 months of negotiations.