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\"The parents would still have to apply, pass the fingerprint criminal background check, and do the orientation. However, if the principal knows them and recommends them, we can waive the requirement that they have at least 30 college hours,\" Savoy told ABC News.

\"PHOTO:
Kaylee Greenlee Beal/Reuters
PHOTO: Students sit at a classroom in San Antonio, Texas, on Jan. 11, 2022.
>

Normally, the Hays CISD would have a pool of 500 substitute teachers available, but because of the delta variant, the district started the school year with only 100, Savoy said. The pool increased to 300, however the omicron variant has made the demand for substitutes increase, according to Savoy.

\"Today, we had 292 requests for subs,\" Savoy said Tuesday.

As of Tuesday, three parents have signed up to be substitutes, but Savoy said that other school staff members have stepped in to assist with classes.

\"Though it’s challenging to have the increased teacher absences; it’s a sign that people who have either tested positive, are showing symptoms, or who have had close contact, are heeding the call to quarantine,\" he said in a statement.

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