SLIPPERY ROCK TWP ― Slippery Rock Area School District’s board unanimously passed a motion Monday evening, May 18, to up the daily rate substitute teachers make in the district.

Superintendent Alfonso Angelucci said the goal with the increase is to compete with other districts and bring more substitutes to the district’s schools. With the approved rate, he said, Slippery Rock will offer the highest wage for substitutes in the county.

“This would actually put us at the top in Butler County.” Angelucci said.

The approved rate will start at $150 per day for the first 30 days of employment, and will increase to $170 starting the 31st day of work. The new rate will be effective Aug. 26. It represents an increase of $20 per day.

Previously, substitute pay started at $130 per day and went up to $150 a day after the first 30 days of work.

The increase aims to fix a current shortage of teachers to fill in during absences.

“I guess we still have our challenges, especially this time of year.” Angelucci said.

The next school board meeting will be held June 8.