Who steps in when teachers can’t make it to class? Across the Rialto Unified School District, that question has become harder to answer. Like many schools in California, RUSD is facing a shortage of substitute teachers, one that has left classrooms scrambling and staff stretched thin.

A Growing Problem

The issue began taking shape after the pandemic, when districts across the state saw a significant drop in available substitutes. According to RUSD’s own data, the 2024-2025 school year opened with roughly 100 substitute teaching positions left unfilled. That number mirrors a wider trend, as nearly 30 percent of schools statewide continue to report unfilled substitute slots.

District Response

To fight the decline, RUSD has launched recruitment efforts that range from billboards to social media campaigns, all encouraging community members and recent graduates to “fill in the gate.” Still, the shortage has lingered, affecting not only teachers but also students’ daily learning routines.

At Eisenhower High and other district campuses, staff members have started to see the impact firsthand, from combined classrooms to administrators stepping in to cover lessons. In some cases, teachers have had to manage two classes at once in adjoining rooms during the same period, moving between them just to make sure both sets of students stay on track.

The path forward will take work. Until more people step in, classrooms will keep feeling the drag of missing support. The shortage reflects a change, but also leaves space for new hands to help. This can be from retired educators, to recent grads, anyone willing to step into class could shift weight in the positive direction.