The Madill Record reported in the January 20, 2022 issue about Oklahoma Governor Stitt signing an Executive Order. This order was an attempt to help keep schools open by allowing state employees to fill in as substitute teachers when n eeded. The Madill Record reached out to the two Marshall County superintendents to get their take on the issue.
Madill Public Schools Superintendent Larry Case said it is a good idea, but he isn't sure how the logistics will pan out.
"I think the intent was good but the logistics and timing of r eceiving h elp would not assist us in staying open," Case said. "All substitutes need background and finger print checks. Timing of receiving results varies from a quick turnaround to a long wait."
Kingston Public Schools Bria n Brister said h e doesn't think the smaller school districts will get any assistance due to being a rural ar ea.
"I appreciate that he is trying to do everything he can to help schools but it doesn't really help a rural school like us," Brister said. "I can see where OKC and Tulsa area schools would possibly benefit from it as they have a much larger pool of available personnel. Plus I still have some questions as to how it will all work, such as background checks."