Fairborn schools OK new chief, propose solution for sub shortage

Fairborn City Schools board members have made several decisions on key matters in the district.

After serving as the school system’s interim superintendent for the past six months, Gene Lolli has been tapped to take the top position full time.

Additionally, the district announced a new program to help attract retired teachers to serve as substitutes at a time when schools say it is difficult to find qualified temporary instructors.

The district also announced it has awarded a construction contract for the new primary school.

Lolli keeps reins

Lolli, the husband of Dayton Public Schools superintendent Elizabeth Lolli, replaces Mark North, who resigned in July to become the Wood County Educational Service Center superintendent.

Fairborn’s Lolli previously served as Fairborn’s high school principal and director of business affairs and classified personnel. Prior, he served as the Springboro Community Schools superintendent.

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Lolli’s contract took effect Dec. 1 and is through July 31, 2022. His annual salary is $155,723, said district treasurer Kevin Philo.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to lead this group of committed staff at a time when Fairborn is growing and there is positive momentum in both the schools and community,” Lolli said in a statement.

Substitutes wanted

Recognizing the difficulties in finding quality substitute teachers, Fairborn will now offer a daily pay rate of $150 for retired teachers who substitute teach in the district.

The current pay rate is $90 per day.

Fairborn schools officials say they believe the new retired teacher rate is the highest rate paid for any substitute teacher in the region. The district estimates retired teachers could comprise 40 percent of its substitute teacher roster.

“The district is desperately seeking new substitute teachers and some days the district struggles to find qualified substitutes to fill the need,” said Gary Walker, director of student services and certified personnel. He said the pay scale will act as an incentive to solve the problem.

Building project

District officials say the construction contract for the new $23 million Fairborn Primary School has been awarded to Monarch Construction. The school is slated to open in 2020.

The project, the officials said, is under budget and jointly funded by the bond issue passed in 2016 and Ohio's facilities commission.

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