Strongsville Schools Release Subs Who Worked Here During Strike

Substitute teachers who took over classrooms for two months this spring during a teachers strike won't be allowed to work in the Strongsville district this year.

Teachers who signed up to keep subbing in Strongsville schools for the 2013-14 year received a letter this week telling them they will no longer be considered for fill-in jobs.

"We felt it would be in the best interests of our district moving forward to not use substitutes who were here during the strike," Assistant Superintendent Cameron Ryba said. 

But one substitute, who contacted Strongsville Patch, called the move "a real kick in the teeth."

The teacher, who did not give his name, said the subs underwent harassment during the strike, starting March 3 when dozens of soon-to-strike teachers jeered and shouted at them as they applied for the substitute jobs.  

"We saved them $6 million and went through (harassment) March 3," the substitute said. "And they're throwing their whole base of replacement teachers out on the street (for next time)."

Ryba said only four teachers who worked in Strongsville during the strike asked to be kept on the substitute list this school year, and their workload so far has been "minimal."

He said he understands the substitute's perspective, but said sometimes difficult decisions have to made with an eye to "what's in the best interest of our district and our employees."

The district hired more than 200 substitutes to fill classrooms when the Strongsville Education Association voted to strike in March. The strike lasted two months, until the union members voted to accept a new contract.