JEFFERSON TWP — A substitute nurse in the South Butler School District told the school board Wednesday night a contracted service the district is using to schedule substitutes is not working.

The board heard from Karen Justi of Jefferson Township, who said there have been scheduling problems that have forced some administrators to take over classrooms.

The board hired Kelly Services last year to handle scheduling of substitutes when the permanent teacher is out sick or otherwise unable to teach.

Obtaining substitute staffing has been an issue since Kelly was hired by the district last year, Justi said.

“We are currently experiencing inadequate staffing in the district,” Justi said. “Prior to employing Kelly, we did not have this issue.”

There was at least one day this school year when she said there was a shortage of substitutes, so the principal and gym teacher at the intermediate elementary school have had to oversee classrooms.

“I’m witnessing this not just as a nurse, but as a parent with four students in the district,” she said.

She continued: “I think we’ve made a great sacrifice when it comes to our staffing agency.”

After the meeting, Superintendent David Zupsic said the district is looking at ways to improve the substitute issue, including hiring permanent substitutes, at least one of each, at the primary and secondary levels.

“I think it’s a matter of the percentage of subs we’re able to get,” he said.