OKAWVILLE — Hiring substitute teachers in Illinois has become extremely difficult for all school districts in the state.

One issue is the regional office of education, will not allow districts to hire a substitute teacher, who has a background check completed by another office, even if they have an approved certificate.

State Representative Charlie Meier, a Republican from Okawville, believes one resolution to the shortage would be to allow retired educators to substitute in another region without having to go through an additional background check.

Under Illinois law, a substitute teacher who is seeking employment in more than 1 school district may be required to have an additional background check done by the ROE office in that region’s district.