Due to breast cancer, a San Francisco teacher on extended sick leave has had to pay for her own substitute, thus, sparking a lot of anger over the policy.
A substitute in the city costs an average $200 (£150) every day, which is removed from the sick teacher’s salary. This came about due to a 1976 state law.
However, local media reports that well meaning parents have responded by raising in cash of over $13,000 to aid the teacher’s medical bills.
Lawmakers and the city teacher’s union are currently deliberating changing the rule.
The primary school teacher fighting cancer has asked not to be named to protect her privacy.
Local parents were angered to learn of the law when the teacher who was well-loved fell ill.
“Parents were outraged and incredulous – like, this can’t be, there must be some mistake,” Amanda Fried, whose children go to the Glen Park School, told the San Francisco Chronicle.
Ms Fried also added that the other teachers in the school were not surprised by the situation.
“That makes it even more sad, because teachers expected to be treated poorly.”
US media reports that In San Francisco, where the cost of living is incredibly high, teachers earn around $82,000 annually.
On the GoFundMe page parents began last month to pay for the San Francisco teacher’s medical care, substitute and lost income, she was described as a “true professional” who loved her students, US media reported.
“Just a few days after her surgery, she took the time to write out 22 completely personalised notes to the students in the class thanking them for their support, telling them she missed them dearly and encouraging them to continue working hard,” the fundraisers said.
The campaign closed after surpassing the initial goal of $10,000.
“My family and I are truly grateful for this gift,” the teacher wrote. “My heart is lifted and it gives me so much strength to know that so many people care about me and my family.”