The Marion School Committee unanimously voted to boost pay for substitutes Wednesday night in a bid to attract more people to cover for teachers and classroom aides.

The vote increases rates for certified teachers from $70 to $75 a day, non-certified teachers from $65 to $70 and teaching aides from an hourly $8.50 to $65. The raises take effect immediately.

Superintendent Doug White has asked each tri-town school committee to make the increase, saying district schools were underpaying subs compared to surrounding towns.

The Marion School Committee was the last board to OK the move, while its counterparts approved the increase in January.

White said other measures will be implemented to bring in more substitutes, which he said were in short supply.

A new online platform will make it easier for substitutes to select an opening, he said.

“If a sub has more control, they may participate more often,” White noted.

A substitute handbook and training sessions are being developed, too.

Committee members also approved bumping substitute pay even higher for fiscal year 2017, bringing compensation closer to what neighboring districts offer.

Starting Sept. 1, certified teachers will receive $85 per day, non-certified teachers $80 and aides $70.

Committee members briefly debated waiting on the second raise while the budget is worked out, but ultimately decided it was in the district's best interest.

“I worry that if we don’t do it and our sister towns do, they will go down the road to the schools who are paying more,” said Chair Christine Marcolini. “I know the budget season will be difficult. I don’t want to take a shortsighted view and have it come back to bite us next year.”