certified and classified handbook
2008-2009
jackson county school system
jefferson, georgia
The mission of the JacksonCountySchool System is to provide and support challenging and rigorous educational opportunities to ensure academic excellence for all students in a safe and caring learning environment.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Board of Education
School Calendar/Work Schedule
School Calendar 2008-2009
School Work Schedule
School Year
School Day for Teachers
Emergency Closing for Schools
Professional Learning/Planning Days
System Philosophies and Beliefs
Philosophy and Purpose
Jackson County School System Strategic Planning
Code of Ethics
General Administration
Board Policies
Drug Free Work Force
Professional Dress Code
Telephone Usage
Distribution of Teacher or Student Names
Board of Education Meetings
Solicitation of Funds
School/Community Relations
Administrative Bulletins
Suspensions
Resignations
Transfers
Administration of Corporal Punishment
AIDS Education
Policy Concerning Discrimination
Discrimination
Complaints and Grievances
Procedures for Handling Student Peer Sexual Harassment
Reduction in WorkForce
Teacher ofthe Year
Check Requisition Payment Request
Amended Change of Address Form
Timeline and Procedures for Teacher Authority Provisions of HB 605
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
Employee Compensation/Staff Benefits
Pay Dates
Salary Schedule
Automatic Deposit Form
Transfer of Experience for Non-Certified Personnel
Worker’s Compensation
Group Insurance
Social Security
TRS Retirement
PSERS
Supplements for Extra-Curricular Responsibilities
Professional Development
Registration for Conferences and Workshops
Travel Regulations
Instructions for Completing Travel Expense Statement
Sample Travel Expense Statement
Excess Lodging Approval Form
Hotel/Motel Exemption Form
Paraprofessional Programs
Universal Precautions for Prevention of Transmission of HIV
Employee Leave
Sick Leave
Retirement Credit for Unused Sick Leave
Sick Leave for Personal/Professional Reasons
Professional Leave
Death in Family Leave
Jury Duty
Family and Medical Leave/Maternity Leave
Dismissal
Substitute Teachers
Application for Leave Form
Verification of Annual Leave, Sick Leave, Approved Personal/Professional Leave
Summary Information Personnel Sick Leave Bank
Application for Sick Leave Bank
Sick Leave Bank Withdrawal Application
Family Medical Leave Form/Certification of Physician or Practitioner
Certification and Teacher Evaluation
Teacher Evaluation Procedures
GTEP Annual Summary
Georgia Teacher Duties and Responsibilities Instrument Notification and Documentation Record
Tenured Employees
Non-Tenured Employees
Certification
Assessment of Performance
Student Services
Administering Medicines to Students
Request for ExtraTrips for Buses
Permission Slip to Parents
Attendance Procedures
Duties of the Homeroom Teacher
Withdrawn Student Procedure
Student Attendance Protocol
Identification of Child Abuse Victims
Student Support Teams
Referral and Testing for the Gifted Program
Substance Abuse Intervention Services Referral Form
School Nutrition
Introduction
Welcome to the staff of the Jackson County Schools. The Jackson County School System is committed to the relentless pursuit of educational excellence and this handbook is issued to assist you in performing your duties more efficiently as we strive to reach our vision.
This handbook is subject to revision. The administrative staff welcomes your constructive criticism, comments, and suggestions at any time. Please keep this for reference and add to this handbook all memos and special bulletins issued by the central office during the school year.
* The complete Policies and Procedures Manual is located on the school system website.
Board of Education
Mrs. Kathy WilbanksChairperson
Mrs. Jill ElliottVice-Chairperson
Mr. Tim Brooks Board Member
Mrs. Lynne WheelerBoard Member
Mr. Michael CronicBoard Member
Administration and Staff
Dr. Shannon Adams, Superintendent
Mrs. April Howard, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning
Dr. Jeff Sanchez, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Information Services
Dr. Keith Everson, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Support Services
Dennis Patrick, Director of Administrative Services
Sarah H. Greene, Director of Personnel
Melanie Brittain, Director of Special Education
Wanda Oliver, Director of School Nutrition
Gwen Hartman, Director of Special Programs
Kathy Miller, Director of
Bob Betz, Director of Information Technology
David Peek, Director of Instructional Technology
Betty Varnadore, Director of the Business Office
Patty Griffith, Asst. Special Education Director
Cassandra Robinson, 6-12 LA Instructional Coordinator
Teresa Strickland, Instructional Coordinator
Deborah Riddleburger, Professional Learning Coordinator
Tracey Oxley, School Social Worker
Susan Shadix, School Social Worker
Rachel Renfroe, School Social Worker
Amanda Hewell, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent
Kathy Anderson, Accounting Supervisor
Janice Snelling, Payroll Supervisor
Barbara Banks, Payroll Assistant
Vicky Evans, Transportation Route Coordinator
Allen Dillow, Maintenance Coordinator
Ray Anderson, Transportation Shop Supervisor
Doris Lester, HQ Teacher and Paraprofessional Recruitment and Retention Specialist
Helen Farmer, Secretary to Teaching and Learning
Jennie Smith, Secretary to Special Education
Diane Epps, Bookkeeper/Secretary to Food Services
Angela Brooks, Accounts Payable Clerk
Debbie Gammon, Receptionist/Accounts Payable
Jessica Adams, Secretary/Accounting
Angie Morrow, Secretary/Special Education
Tammy Dearing, School Nutrition Training Manager
Bree Marsh, School Nutrition Education Coordinator
Carol Finley, Secretary/Maintenance and Transportation
Kalen Searcy, Student Information Data Specialist
Principals
Pam Shields, BentonElementary School
Denny Turner, WestJacksonPrimary School
Diane Carr, WestJacksonIntermediateSchool
Dr. Pat Stueck, EastJacksonComprehensiveHigh School
Dr. Todd McGhee, JacksonCountyComprehensiveHigh School
Dr. Jane Scales, MaysvilleElementary School
Kathy Elrod, NorthJacksonElementary School
Pam Johns, SouthJacksonElementary School
Dr. Joann Zupsic, GordonStreetCenter
Rise’ Hawley, WestJacksonMiddle School
Vacant, East Jackson Middle School
Dr. Debra Morris, KingsBridgeMiddle School
Jennifer Norris, EastJacksonElementary School
Alisa Hanley, GumSpringsElementary School
School Calendar/Work Schedule
JacksonCountySchool System
School Calendar 2008-2009
Pre-PlanningAugust 1-6, 2008
1st Day of SchoolAugust 7, 2008
End 1st Month of SchoolAugust 31, 2007
Labor Day HolidaySeptember 4, 2008
End of 2nd Month of SchoolOctober 2, 2008
End 1st 9-week Grading PeriodOctober 9, 2008
Teacher In-Service October 10, 2008
Teacher & Student HolidayOctober 13-14, 2008
End of 3rd Month of SchoolNovember 4, 2008
Thanksgiving HolidaysNovember 26-28, 2008
End 4th Month of SchoolDecember 5, 2008
End 2nd 9-week Grading PeriodDecember 19, 2008
Christmas Holidays BeginsDecember 22, 2008
Teacher In-ServiceJanuary 5, 2009
Students Back to SchoolJanuary 6, 2009
Martin Luther King, Jr. HolidayJanuary 19, 2009
End of 5th Month of SchoolJanuary 20, 2009
End of 6th Month of SchoolFebruary 17, 2009
Student/Teacher Holidays or Snow DaysFebruary 19-20, 2009
End 3rd 9-week Grading PeriodMarch 12, 2009
Teacher In-ServiceMarch 13, 2009
End of 7th Month of SchoolMarch 20, 2009
Spring HolidaysApril 6-10, 2009
End of 8th Month of SchoolApril 24, 2009
End of 9th Month of School &
4th 9-week Grading PeriodMay 22, 2009
Memorial Day HolidayMay 25, 2009
Post-PlanningMay 26-28, 2009
JacksonCountySchool Work Schedules
Employees Working 240 Days
240 Work Days
15.72 Days Sick Leave (includes 3 days personal)
10.08 Days Annual Leave
17 Holidays
Christmas & New Years 9 days
July 4th3 days
Labor Day1 day
Thanksgiving3 days
Martin Luther King 1 day
Memorial Day 1 day
Annual leave will be accumulated at the rate of .84 days per school month. Employees may use accumulated days for annual leave with the approval of the superintendent (see appendix page). Twenty days of annual leave can be accumulated beginning with FY88.
Employees Working 220 Days
220 Working Days
14.41 Days Sick Leave (includes 3 days of personal)
190 Work days the same as the regular school calendar plus 30 additional days as specified by the Superintendent of Schools each year.
Guidance and vocational personnel working on 11-month contracts will work 210 days.
Employees Working 190 Days
190 Work Days the same as the regular school calendar
12 ½ Days Sick Leave (includes 3 days of personal leave)
Employees Working 186 Days
12.18 Days Sick Leave (includes 3 days of personal leave)
Persons requested to work on specified holidays will be given equal release time.
Employees Working 180 Days
11.79 Days Sick Leave (includes 3 days of personal leave)
Application for all leave types should be made 10 days prior to leave except in cases of emergency.
The School Year
The school year is determined according to the requirements and guidelines of the State Board of Education. All teachers are to work 190 days, including 180 with children and ten (10) planning days. In order for teachers to gain one year’s experience, they must be certified and work for 120 days on contract during the school year.
The School Day for Teachers
Teachers are expected to work an 8 hour minimum day. The duty schedule for each individual school will be posted by the principal. Sign-in sheets will be provided in each school. System-wide teachers will be sign in at each school they report to on any given day. The official starting time for the school day is the time at which teachers should be signed in and ready to assume their designated duty stations.
Emergency Closing for Schools
Under emergency conditions created by snow storms, severe weather, or other conditions, it sometimes becomes necessary to close the schools. The decision to cancel classes is made by the Superintendent or any official designated to act for him. The decision will be made by 6 a.m. if at all possible. When schools must be closed, local radio stations will be notified.
Professional Learning/PlanningDays
The school district calendar contains some days designated as professional or planning days when activities aimed at professional learning are planned. Professional days are considered regular eight-hour workdays; therefore, all professional staff members are expected to attend and participate in these activities. Schedules for early release days will be provided by the principal Each principal will inform his/her staff of the events scheduled for professional days.
System Philosophies and Beliefs
JacksonCounty Board of Education Philosophy and Purpose
Members of the Jackson County Board of Education have responsibility for setting the basic direction for JacksonCounty education through their philosophy of education and a statement of purpose.
The board has adopted these statements of philosophy and purpose.
Philosophy
Educated citizens are essential to a democratic society. Intelligent functioning of that society depends upon citizens having and applying knowledge and developing positive attitudes about themselves and society. The public schools play a major role in promoting these characteristics and qualities in students.
Students have a constitutional right to a free and comprehensive public education. The Jackson County Board of Education and the personnel in its employ are responsible for seeing that each student is afforded the right to such a free, equal, and comprehensive public education.
Public school education should prepare students for a satisfying, meaningful, and productive life, including the necessary responsibility of earning a living. Educational programs should be developed and offered that meet the needs of all JacksonCounty students and help them reach their potential as individuals and as contributing citizens.
Skilled certified personnel are a basic component in our system of public education. Teaching is a process which not only helps the student develop skills, but also prepares him to work independently and productively as an adult.
The family should support and be involved in the educational process. The process should provide for interaction between home and school. Parents have a major responsibility for their children taking advantage of educational opportunities and for providing positive reinforcement. Individual students have the primary responsibility for learning.
The community should be both a contributor to and a beneficiary of the educational process. The entire community has the responsibility to support the local school system financially as well as with community resources since the entire community profits from a quality educational program.
The schools and educational programs provide the means for the delivery and merging of learning efforts. The physical environment in which the educational processes and services are provided should be functional, safe, comfortable, healthful, adequately equipped, and aesthetically pleasing.
JACKSON COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM
STRATEGIC PLAN
VISION
The JacksonCountySchool System is committed to the relentless pursuit of educational excellence.
MISSION
The mission of the JacksonCountySchool System is to provide and support challenging and rigorous educational opportunities to ensure academic excellence for all students in a safe and caring learning environment.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Providing a highly effective, committed staff and resources needed to achieve high expectations.
Providing a safe, clean, nurturing, and respectful environment.
Providing a rigorous and challenging standards based curriculum guided by data and research-based best instructional practices.
Developing a mutual respect for and partnership among all stakeholders.
CODE OF ETHICS
Effective August 15, 2005
Introduction.
The Code of Ethics for Educators defines the professional behavior of educators in Georgia and serves as a guide to ethical conduct. The Professional Standards Commission has adopted standards that represent the conduct generally accepted by the education profession. The code protects the health, safety and general welfare of students and educators, ensures the citizens of Georgia a degree of accountability within the education profession, and defines unethical conduct justifying disciplinary sanction.
Definitions
“Certificate” refers to any teaching, service, or leadership certificate, license, or permit issued by authority of the Professional Standards Commission.
“Educator” is a teacher, school or school system administrator, or other education personnel who holds a certificate issued by the Professional Standards Commission and persons who have applied for but have not yet received a certificate. For the purposes of the Code of Ethics for Educators, “educator” also refers to paraprofessionals, aides, and substitute teachers.
“Student” is any individual enrolled in the state’s public or private schools from preschool through grade 12 or any individual between and including the ages of 3 and 17.
“Complaint” is any written and signed statement from a local board, the state board, or one or more individual residents of this state filed with the Professional Standards Commission alleging that an educator has breached one or more of the standards in the Code of Ethics for Educators. A “complaint” will be deemed a request to investigate.
“Revocation” is the invalidation of any certificate held by the educator.
“Denial” is the refusal to grant initial certification to an applicant for a certificate.
“Suspension” is the temporary invalidation of any certificate for a period of time specified by the Professional Standards Commission.
“Reprimand” admonishes the certificate holder for his or her conduct. The reprimand cautions that further unethical conduct will lead to a more severe action.
“Warning” warns the certificate holder that his or her conduct is unethical. The warning cautions that further unethical conduct will lead to a more severe action.
“Monitoring“is the quarterly appraisal of the educator’s conduct by the Professional Standards Commission through contact with the educator and his or her employer. As a condition of monitoring, an educator may be required to submit a criminal background check (GCIC). The Commission specifies the length of the monitoring period.
Standards
Standard 1: Criminal Acts - An educator should abide by federal, state, and local laws and statutes. Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to the commission or conviction of a felony or of any crime involving moral turpitude. As used herein, conviction includes a finding or verdict of guilty, or a plea of nolo contendere, regardless of whether an appeal of the conviction has been sought; a situation where first offender treatment without adjudication of guilt pursuant to the charge was granted; and a situation where an adjudication of guilt or sentence was otherwise withheld or not entered on the charge or the charge was otherwise disposed of in a similar manner in any jurisdiction.
Standard 2: Abuse of Students - An educator should always maintain a professional relationship with all students, both in and outside the classroom. Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to:
1. committing any act of child abuse, including physical and verbal abuse;
2. committing any act of cruelty to children or any act of child endangerment;
3. committing or soliciting any unlawful sexual act;
4. engaging in harassing behavior on the basis of race, gender, sex, national origin, religion or disability;
5. soliciting, encouraging, or consummating an inappropriate written, verbal, or physical
relationship with a student; and
6. furnishing tobacco, alcohol, or illegal/unauthorized drugs to any student or allowing a student to consume alcohol, or illegal/unauthorized drugs.
Standard 3: Alcohol or Drugs - An educator should refrain from the use of alcohol or illegal or unauthorized drugs during the course of professional practice. Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to:
1. being on school premises or at a school-related activity involving students while under the influence of, possessing, using, or consuming illegal or unauthorized drugs; and
2. being on school premises or at a school-related activity involving students while documented as being under the influence of, possessing, or consuming alcoholic beverages. A school-related activity includes, but is not limited to, any activity sponsored by the school or school system (booster clubs, parent-teacher organizations, or any activity designed to enhance the school curriculum i.e. Foreign Language trips, etc).
Standard 4: Misrepresentation or Falsification - An educator should exemplify honesty and integrity in the course of professional practice. Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to:
1.falsifying, misrepresenting, omitting or erroneously reporting professional qualifications, criminal history, college or staff development credit and/or degrees, academic award, and employment history when applying for employment and/or certification or when recommending an individual for employment, promotion, or certification;
2. falsifying, misrepresenting, omitting or erroneously reporting information submitted to federal, state, and other governmental agencies;
3. falsifying, misrepresenting, omitting or erroneously reporting information regarding the evaluation of students and/or personnel;