2015-2016
Wortham ISD Employee Handbook
GENERAL INFORMATION
· The school day for elementary, middle school, and high school staff/employees begins at 7:30am and ends at 4:00pm. Adjustments can be made by the campus principals.
· For the safety of the staff/employees, if they leave campus during the school day, they are to sign out and back in at the campus office when they return.
· Each teacher will be assigned at 45 conference period with a 30 minute duty free lunch.
· Teachers should post grades within a 48 hour window. For the protection of staff/employees, students should only be transported in a school vehicle.
· If a school vehicle is used for school business, it is to be driven to and from event.
· Coverage ceases if a vehicle is driven to your home.
· The grooming and attire of a teacher and support staff should be professional at all times. Jeans are permissible on Friday preferably with a Wortham spirit shirt. Tattoos must be covered at all times including extra-curricular activities.
WORTHAM INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
Employee Agreement for Technology Standards and Acceptable Use Policy
You are being given access to the District's electronic communication system. Through this system you will be able to communicate with other schools, colleges, organizations, and people around the world through the Internet and other electronic information systems/networks. You will have access to hundreds of databases, libraries, and computer services all over the world.
With this opportunity comes responsibility. It is important that you read and understand the Technology Standards and Acceptable Use Policy as set forth by WISD. Ask questions if you need help in understanding this document. Inappropriate system use will result in the loss of the privilege to use this educational and administrative tool.
Please note that the Internet is a network of many types of communication and information. It is possible that you may run across areas of adult content and some material you might find objectionable. While the District will take reasonable steps to restrict access to such material, it is not possible to absolutely prevent such access. It will be your responsibility to follow the rules for appropriate use. ·
RULES FOR APPROPRIATE USE
• The account is to be used primarily for educational purposes.
o You will be held responsible at all times for the proper use of your account, and the District may suspend or revoke your access if you violate the rules.
• Remember that when people receive e-mail from you with a school address you are representing our district.
• Movies, etc shown in the classroom should have prior approval by the campus principal
INAPPROPRIATE USES
o Using the system for illegal purposes.
• . Borrowing someone's account or password without permission.
o Downloading or using copyrighted information without permission from the copyright holder.
• Posting messages or accessing materials that are abusive, obscene, sexually oriented, threatening, harassing, damaging to another's reputation, or illegal.
• Wasting school resources through the improper use of the computer system.
Gaining unauthorized access to restricted information or resources.
CONSEQUENCES FOR INAPPROPRIATE USE
• Suspension of access to the system;
• Revocation of the computer system account; or
• Other disciplinary or legal action, in accordance with the District policies and applicable laws.
I understand that my computer use is not private and that the District may monitor my activity on the computer system. I have read the District's Standards for Technology and Acceptable Use Policy and agree to abide by the stated provisions. In consideration for the privilege of using the District's electronic communications system, and in consideration for having access to the public networks, I hereby release the District, its operators, and any institutions with which they are affiliated from any and all claims and damages of any nature arising from my use of, or inability to use, the system, including without limitation, the type of damage identified in the District's policy and administrative regulations.
Additionally, I give permission for my work and my name and likeness whether it be in picture, or any other media form, to be electronically displayed or produced by the District.
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Table of Contents
General Information…………………………………………………………………………….2
Workers Comp-Acknowledgement of the Alliance Program………………………………………………………………………………………….3
Acceptable Use Policy………………………………………………………………………..4
Employee Handbook Receipt 8
Introduction 9
District Information 10
Description of the District 10
District Map 10
Mission Statement, Goals, and Objectives 10
Board of Trustees 10
Board Meeting Schedule for 2015-2016 11
Administration 11
School Calendar 11
Helpful Contacts 11
School Directory 11
Employment 12
Equal Employment Opportunity 12
Job Vacancy Announcements 12
Employment After Retirement 12
Contract and Noncontract Employment 13
Certification and Licenses 14
Searches and Alcohol and Drug Testing 14
Health Safety Training 15
Reassignments and Transfers 15
Workload and Work Schedules 16
Breaks for Expression of Breast Milk 12
Notification to Parents Regarding Qualifications 16
Outside Employment and Tutoring 17
Performance Evaluation 17
Employee Involvement 17
Staff Development 17
Compensation and Benefits 19
Salaries, Wages, and Stipends 19
Paychecks 19
Automatic Payroll Deposit 20
Payroll Deductions 20
Overtime Compensation 20
Travel Expense Reimbursement 21
Health, Dental, and Life Insurance 21
Supplemental Insurance Benefits 21
Cafeteria Plan Benefits (Section 125) 22
Workers’ Compensation Insurance 22
Unemployment Compensation Insurance 22
Teacher Retirement 22
Other Benefit Programs Error! Bookmark not defined.
Leaves and Absences 24
Personal Leave 25
State Sick Leave 25
Local Leave 26
Sick Leave Bank (or Pool) 26
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)—General Provisions 26
Local Family and Medical Leave Provisions 28
Temporary Disability Leave 29
Workers’ Compensation Benefits 29
Assault Leave 30
Bereavement Leave 30
Jury Duty 30
Other Court Appearances 30
Military Leave 30
Employee Relations and Communications 32
Employee Recognition and Appreciation 32
District Communications 32
Complaints and Grievances 33
Employee Conduct and Welfare 34
Standards of Conduct 34
Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation 37
Harassment of Students 37
Reporting Suspected Child Abuse 38
Sexual Abuse and Maltreatment of Children 39
Reporting Crime 39
Technology Resources 39
Personal Use of Electronic Media 40
Use of Electronic Media with Students 41
Criminal History Background Checks 43
Employee Arrests and Convictions 43
Alcohol and Drug-Abuse Prevention 44
Tobacco Products and E-Cigarette Use 44
Fraud and Financial Impropriety 44
Conflict of Interest 45
Gifts and Favors 46
Copyrighted Materials 46
Associations and Political Activities 46
Charitable Contributions 46
Safety 47
Possession of Firearms and Weapons 47
Visitors in the Workplace 47
Asbestos Management Plan 47
Pest Control Treatment 48
Other Topics Error! Bookmark not defined.
General Procedures 49
Bad Weather Closing 49
Emergencies 49
Purchasing Procedures 49
Name and Address Changes 49
Personnel Records 50
Building Use 50
Termination of Employment 50
Resignations 50
Dismissal or Nonrenewal of Contract Employees 51
Dismissal of Noncontract Employees 51
Exit Interviews and Procedures 51
Reports to Texas Education Agency 52
Reports Concerning Court-Ordered Withholding 53
Student Issues 54
Equal Educational Opportunities 54
Student Records 54
Parent and Student Complaints 54
Administering Medication to Students 55
Dietary Supplements 55
Psychotropic Drugs 55
Student Conduct and Discipline 56
Student Attendance 56
Bullying 56
Hazing 56
Index 57
Employee Handbook Receipt
Name ______
Campus/Department ______
I hereby acknowledge receipt of a copy of the Wortham ISD Employee Handbook. I agree to read the handbook and abide by the standards, policies, and procedures defined or referenced in this document.
Employees have the option of receiving the handbook in electronic format or hard copy.
The handbook can be found at www.worthamisd.org, select the administration tab, then HR
Please indicate your choice by checking the appropriate box below:
r I choose to receive the employee handbook in electronic format and accept responsibility for accessing it according to the instructions provided.
r I choose to receive a hard copy of the employee handbook.
The information in this handbook is subject to change. I understand that changes in district policies may supersede, modify, or render obsolete the information summarized in this book. As the district provides updated policy information, I accept responsibility for reading and abiding by the changes.
I understand that no modifications to contractual relationships or alterations of at-will employment relationships are intended by this handbook.
I understand that I have an obligation to inform my supervisor or department head of any changes in personal information such as phone number, address, etc. I also accept responsibility for contacting my supervisor or the administsration office if I have questions or concerns or need further explanation.
______
Signature Date
Please sign and date this receipt and forward it to your campus secretary by August 21, 2015.
Introduction
The purpose of this handbook is to provide information that will help with questions and pave the way for a successful year. Not all district policies and procedures are included. Those that are have been summarized. Suggestions for additions and improvements to this handbook are welcome and may be sent to Superintendent David Allen at .
This handbook is neither a contract nor a substitute for the official district policy manual. Nor is it intended to alter the at-will status of noncontract employees in any way. Rather, it is a guide to and a brief explanation of district policies and procedures related to employment. These policies and procedures can change at any time; these changes shall supersede any handbook provisions that are not compatible with the change. For more information, employees may refer to the policy codes that are associated with handbook topics, confer with their supervisor, or call the appropriate district office. District policies can be accessed on line at www.worthamisd.org.
District Information
Description of the District
Wortham ISD is a rural district 2A school with an enrollment near 500 students. There are 3 campuses consisting of an Elementary, Middle School, and High School. The district offers an enriched curriculum seeding to meet the needs of all students.
District Map
Located in the administration office at 201 S. 4th, Wortham, TX 76693
Mission Statement, Goals, and Objectives
Policy AE-Dedicated to excellence in education, the District is committed to the development of productive citizens with integrity, respect, and responsibility.
Board of Trustees
Policies BA, BB series, BD series, and BE series
Texas law grants the board of trustees the power to govern and oversee the management of the district’s schools. The board is the policy-making body within the district and has overall responsibility for the curriculum, school taxes, annual budget, employment of the superintendent and other professional staff, and facilities. The board has complete and final control over school matters within limits established by state and federal laws and regulations.
The board of trustees is elected by the citizens of the district to represent the community’s commitment to a strong educational program for the district’s children. Board members are elected every year and serve 3-year terms. Board members serve without compensation, must be qualified voters, and must reside in the district.
Current board members include:
· James Sessions______
· Tadd Dunnahoe______
· Doug Miller______
· Brent Jones______
· Jeff Jones______
· Sam Wright______
· Billy Perez______
The board usually meets on the third Monday of each month at 6:30pm. In the event that large attendance is anticipated, the board may meet at the auditorium. Special meetings may be called when necessary. A written notice of regular and special meetings will be posted on the district website and administsration office at least 72 hours before the scheduled meeting time. The written notice will show the date, time, place, and subjects of each meeting. In emergencies, a meeting may be held with a two-hour notice.
All meetings are open to the public. In certain circumstances, Texas law permits the board to go into a closed session from which the public and others are excluded. Closed session may occur for such things as discussing prospective gifts or donations, real-property acquisition, certain personnel matters including employee complaints, security matters, student discipline, or consulting with attorneys regarding pending litigation.
Board Meeting Schedule for 2015-2016
September 21, October 19, November 16, December 16, January 25, February 15, March 28,
April 18, 2015, May 16, 2015, June 20, 2015, July 18, August 18.
Administration
David Allen, Superintendent, CEO
David Hayes, Middle School/High School Principal
Dee Ann Allen, Elementary Principal
Chris Tobola, Athletic Director
School Calendar
Available on the district website, www.worthamisd.org.
Helpful Contacts
From time to time, employees have questions or concerns. If those questions or concerns cannot be answered by supervisors or at the campus or department level, the employee is encouraged to contact the appropriate department as listed below.
School Directory
Superintendent’s office- 254-765-3095/Fax 254-765-3473
High School – 254-765-3095/Fax 254-765-3085
Middle School – 254-765-3523/Fax 254-765-3512
Elementary – 254-765-3080/Fax 254-765-3540
Employment
Equal Employment Opportunity
Policies DAA, DIA
Wortham ISD does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, military status, genetic information, or on any other basis prohibited by law. Additionally, the district does not discriminate against an employee or applicant who acts to oppose such discrimination or participates in the investigation of a complaint related to a discriminatory employment practice. Employment decisions will be made on the basis of each applicant’s job qualifications, experience, and abilities.
Employees with questions or concerns about discrimination based on sex, including sexual harassment should contact Superintendent David Allen, the district Title IX coordinator. Employees with questions or concerns about discrimination on the basis of a disability should contact Krystal Duke, the district ADA/Section 504 coordinator. Questions or concerns relating to discrimination for any other reason should be directed to the Superintendent.
Job Vacancy Announcements
Policy DC
Announcements of job vacancies by position and location are posted on a regular basis to the district’s website and campus workrooms.