Des Moines Register: Waukee and Johnston school districts made moves last week to attract and retain substitutes as districts across the state struggle to adequately staff schools amid the ongoing pandemic. In a bid to draw more substitutes and match its rate to that of neighboring districts, Waukee raised its daily rate to $155 from $145, and to $160 per day after 100 days. Retired Waukee teachers will be paid $165 per day. In Johnston, to compensate teachers for taking on additional responsibilities in the wake of shortages and increased absences, the board plans to vote at its Jan. 24 meeting to pay teachers $25 an hour if they use part or all of their planning period to cover an absence. Teachers will also be paid that rate if they double-up a class due to an absence.