Weatherford
Independent School District
2015-2016
Employee Handbook
Table of Contents
Employee Handbook Receipt 4
Introduction 5
District Information 6
Description of the District 6
District Map 6
Mission Statement, Goals, and Objectives 6
Board of Trustees 6
Board Meeting Schedule for 2015–2016 7
Helpful Contacts 8
Administration 8
School Calendar 9
School Directory 9
Employment 10
Equal Employment Opportunity 10
Job Vacancy Announcements 10
Employment After Retirement 10
Contract and Noncontract Employment 11
Certification and Licenses 11
Searches and Alcohol and Drug Testing 12
Health Safety Training 13
Reassignments and Transfers 13
Workload and Work Schedules 13
Breaks for Expression of Breast Milk 12
Notification to Parents Regarding Qualifications 14
Outside Employment and Tutoring 15
Performance Evaluation 15
Employee Involvement 15
Staff Development 15
Compensation and Benefits 16
Salaries, Wages, and Stipends 16
Paychecks 16
Automatic Payroll Deposit 17
Payroll Deductions 17
Overtime Compensation 17
Travel Expense Reimbursement 18
Health, Dental, and Life Insurance 18
Supplemental Insurance Benefits 18
Cafeteria Plan Benefits (Section 125) 19
Workers’ Compensation Insurance 19
Unemployment Compensation Insurance 19
Teacher Retirement 20
Leaves and Absences 21
Personal Leave 22
State Sick Leave 22
Local Leave 23
Sick Leave Bank (or Pool) 23
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)—General Provisions 23
Local Family and Medical Leave Provisions 26
Temporary Disability Leave 26
Workers’ Compensation Benefits 27
Assault Leave 27
Bereavement Leave 28
Jury Duty 28
Other Court Appearances 28
Military Leave 28
Employee Relations and Communications 30
Employee Recognition and Appreciation 30
District Communications 30
Complaints and Grievances 31
Employee Conduct and Welfare 32
Standards of Conduct 32
Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation 35
Harassment of Students 35
Reporting Suspected Child Abuse 36
Sexual Abuse and Maltreatment of Children 38
Reporting Crime 39
Technology Resources 40
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
General Procedures 49
Bad Weather Closing 49
Emergencies 49
Purchasing Procedures 50
Name and Address Changes 50
Personnel Records 51
Building Use 51
Termination of Employment 52
Resignations 52
Dismissal or Nonrenewal of Contract Employees 52
Dismissal of Noncontract Employees 52
Exit Interviews and Procedures 53
Reports to Texas Education Agency 53
Reports Concerning Court-Ordered Withholding 54
Student Issues 55
Equal Educational Opportunities 55
Student Records 55
Parent and Student Complaints 55
Administering Medication to Students 56
Dietary Supplements 56
Psychotropic Drugs 56
Student Conduct and Discipline 57
Student Attendance 57
Bullying 57
Hazing 57
Index 58
Employee Handbook Receipt
Name
Campus/Department
I hereby acknowledge receipt of a copy of the Weatherford 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 Weatherford ISD Employee Handbook is available on-line on the district web page and may be accessed at www.weatherfordisd.com. The handbook is located on the Human Resources Department page.
Please indicate your choice by checking the appropriate box below:
I choose to receive the employee handbook in electronic format and accept responsibility for accessing it according to the instructions provided.
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 Human Resources Department if I have questions or concerns or need further explanation.
______
Signature Date
Please sign and date this receipt and forward it to your campus principal or department supervisor.
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 the Executive Director of Human Resources.
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 http://pol.tasb.org/Home/Index/984.
District Information
Description of the District
Weatherford Independent School District (WISD) is a rapidly growing rural school district located 26 miles west of Fort Worth along Interstate 20. It includes 254 square miles and more than 7,500 students and over 950 employees. WISD is fully accredited (PK-12) by the Texas Education Agency and the Southern Association of Colleges and Universities.
District Map Click this link for the District Map
Mission Statement, Goals, and Objectives
Policy AE
Mission Statement
The mission of the Weatherford ISD is to teach, challenge, and inspire each student in a
safe, nurturing environment to succeed in the global community.
Motto
Your Child: Our Mission
Vision Statement
WISD will be the world-class district of choice.
Value Statements
· We value and respect all students, employees, parents, partners, and our community.
· We demonstrate visionary leadership.
· We engage in and promote personal and organizational learning.
· We make data-driven decisions.
· We practice ethical behavior and personal integrity.
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 in May and serve three-year terms. Board members serve without compensation, must be qualified voters, and must reside in the district.
Current board members include:
· President: Ashley Conlon
· Vice President: Dr. Joshua Tarbay
· Secretary: Mike Guest
· Member: Tiffany Branson
· Member: S. Brian Catlin
· Member: Jeff Geyer
· Member: Gail Wirtanen
The board usually meets the second Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m. in the District Services Building. In the event that large attendance is anticipated, the board may meet at the Hall Middle School cafeteria, 902 S. Charles Street. Special meetings may be called when necessary. A written notice of regular and special meetings will be posted on the district website and at the District Services Building 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
Date / Time / Location / DeadlineSeptember 10th / 7:00 pm / DSB Boardroom / September 1st
October 8th / 7:00 pm / DSB Boardroom / September 28th
November 12th / 7:00 pm / DSB Boardroom / November 2nd
December 10th / 7:00 pm / DSB Boardroom / November 30th
January 14th / 7:00 pm / DSB Boardroom / January 6th
February 11th / 7:00 pm / DSB Boardroom / February 1st
March 10th / 7:00 pm / DSB Boardroom / February 29th
April 14th / 7:00 pm / DSB Boardroom / April 4th
May 12th / 7:00 pm / DSB Boardroom / May 2nd
June 9th / 7:00 pm / DSB Boardroom / May 28th
July 21st ** / 7:00 pm / DSB Boardroom / July 12th
August 11th / 7:00 pm / DSB Boardroom / August 1st
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.
Administration
District Phone Number: 817-598-2800
Superintendent / Jeffrey Hanks, Ph.D. / 3001Deputy Superintendent / Dr. Kathy Ray / 3011
Assistant Superintendent Business and Operations / Tracy Ray / 3006
Executive Director of Athletics / Richard Scoggin / 3071
Executive Director of Elementary Education / Racheal Rife / 3201
Executive Director of Facilities / Jerry Blizzard / 3251
Executive Director of Human Resources / Monty Chapman / 3021
Executive Director of Organizational Excellence / Charlotte LaGrone / 3013
Executive Director of School Operations / Danny Miller / 3061
Executive Director of Secondary Education / Lance Campbell / 3202
Executive Director of Special Programs / Patti Young / 3206
Executive Director of Student Services / Lynn Pool / 3027
Executive Director of Technology / Cody Lee / 3051
Director of Accounting / Patricia Melendez / 3008
Director of Assessment and Instructional Materials / Debbie Braudaway / 3215
Director of Community Education / Dr. Chip Evans / 3232
Director of Custodial Services / Andy Hobson / 4173
Director of Finance / Jo Wilson / 3007
Director of Marketing and Communications / John Tarrant / 3014
Director of Purchasing and Internal Audits / Becky Salazar / 3005
Director of Support Services / Alicia Hernandez / 4171
Director of Technology Instructional Support / MJ McDaniel / 3057
Education Foundation / Charlotte LaGrone / 3013
Bilingual/ESL Coordinator / Lucy Vasquez / 3208
CAT Coordinator / Donna Schoonover / 3524
Communications / Charlotte LaGrone / 3013
Federal Programs Coordinator / Deana Lopez / 3010
Future Ready Learning Coordinator / Shawna Ford / 3209
Instructional Coordinator – ELA / Tiffany Mercer / 3209
Instructional Coordinator – Elementary Math / Cathy Garcia / 3211
Instructional Coordinator – Science / Linda Bourland / 3209
Instructional Coordinator – Secondary Math / Amy Cribbs / 3212
Instructional Coordinator – Social Studies / Pat Hardy / 3203
Network Manager / Tracy Montgomery / 3052
Network Manager / John Clark / 3058
Associate Network Manager / John Kendall / 3053
School Calendar Click the link for access to the school calendar.
School Directory
Elementary Schools
Austin Elementary 1776 Texas Drive 817 598-2848
Crockett Elementary 1015 Jameson 817 598-2811
Curtis Elementary 501 W. Russell 817 598-2838
Ikard Elementary 100 Ikard Lane 817 598-2818
Martin Elementary 719 N. Oakridge Drive 817 598-2910
Seguin Elementary 499 E. Eighth Street 817 598-2814
Wright Elementary 1309 W. Charles Street 817 598-2828
Middle Schools
Hall Middle School 902 Charles Street 817 598-2822
Tison Middle School 102 Meadowview Road 817 598-2960
High Schools
Ninth Grade Center 1007 S. Main Street 817 598-2847
Weatherford High School 2121 Bethel 817 598-2858
Other Facilities
District Services Building 1100 Longhorn Drive 817 598-2800
Bowie Learning Center 900 N. Elm Street 817 598-2800
Employment
Equal Employment Opportunity
Policies DAA, DIA
Weatherford 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 the Executive Director of Human Resources, the district Title IX coordinator. Employees with questions or concerns about discrimination on the basis of a disability should contact the Executive Director of Special Programs, 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.
Employment After Retirement
Policy DC
Individuals receiving retirement benefits from the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) may be employed in limited circumstances on a full- or part-time basis without affecting their benefits, according to TRS rules and state law. Detailed information about employment after retirement is available in the TRS publication Employment After Retirement. Employees can contact TRS for additional information by calling 800-223-8778 or 512-542-6400. Information is also available on the TRS Website (www.trs.state.tx.us).