Gwinn Area Community Schools needs substitute teachers for its middle and high school, and two full-time bus routes remain unfilled in Marquette County.

Superintendent Sara Croney told WLUC reporter Dan Groeneveld that absences on Wednesday, Sept. 16, forced some teachers to cover for absent colleagues during their prep periods.

"It's never good to do it that way, because now that teacher is deprived of a prep and maybe was counting on that," Croney said.

The elementary school has enough substitutes for now, Croney said, but she expects that to change as cold and flu season picks up in late fall and winter. She noted the strain that close quarters put on staff immune systems when illness spreads among students.

Beyond the classroom, Gwinn is patching together two open bus routes with substitute drivers. Croney described the arrangement as "hodgepodge-ing" routes together while the district searches for permanent hires. The full-time bus driver positions come with full family health insurance benefits. Applicants can call the district at (906) 346-9283 and ask for transportation.

Nearby, NICE Community Schools is also recruiting substitutes. The district spans six townships in Baraga and Marquette counties, according to NICE board minutes.

Superintendent Bryan DeAugustine said a bachelor's degree is preferred but not required. He described the district's regular substitutes as nearly permanent staff members whom students know by name, saying their patience and good humor make a real difference in the classroom.

Prospective substitute teachers at either district can apply through willsub.com, an automated placement system used by area schools, or contact Marquette-Alger RESA. The regional service agency supports 13 school districts and about 9,000 students across Marquette and Alger counties.

Neither district has posted a deadline for applications.