2013-2014 Employee Handbook Grape Creek ISD

Transcription

2013-2014 Employee Handbook Grape Creek ISD
Employee Name:
2013-2014
Employee Handbook
for
Grape Creek ISD
8207 US Highway 87 North
San Angelo, TX 76901
Administration:
High School:
Middle School:
Primary and Intermediate Elementary:
www.grapecreekisd.net
David Hale, Superintendent
658-7823
653-1852
655-1735
655-1735
Fax:
Fax:
Fax:
Fax:
Three Rivers Special Populations Cooperative:
8207 U.S. Hwy. 87 North
San Angelo, TX 76901
Phone: 655-6768
Fax: 655-6915
Paul Michalewicz, Assistant Superintendent of Special Populations
1
658-8719
653-3568
657-2997
658-2623
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Employee Dress Code ................................................................................................................................................... 9
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................... 10
GCISD Vision Statement and Goals ................................................................................................................................ 10
Board of Trustees ............................................................................................................................................................ 11
Board Meeting Schedule ................................................................................................................................................ 11
Administration .................................................................................................................................................................. 12
Helpful Contacts .............................................................................................................................................................. 12
School Calendar .............................................................................................................................................................. 13
Employment ................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Equal Employment Opportunity............................................................................................................................... 14
Job Vacancy Announcements ................................................................................................................................. 14
Employment Alter Retirement ................................................................................................................................. 14
Contract and Non-Contract Employment ................................................................................................................ 14
Certifications and Licenses ..................................................................................................................................... 15
Searches and Alcohol and Drug Testing ................................................................................................................. 16
Health Safety Training ............................................................................................................................................. 16
Reassignments and Transfers ................................................................................................................................ 16
Workload and Work Schedules ............................................................................................................................... 17
Notification of Parents Regarding Qualifications ..................................................................................................... 17
Outside Employment and Tutoring .......................................................................................................................... 18
Performance Evaluation .......................................................................................................................................... 18
Employee Involvement ............................................................................................................................................ 18
Staff Development ................................................................................................................................................... 18
Appraisal Procedures .............................................................................................................................................. 18
Appraisal Calendar.................................................................................................................................................. 19
Compensation and Benefits ......................................................................................................................................... 20
Salaries, Wages and Stipends ................................................................................................................................ 20
Due Dates for Employee Leaves and Absences ..................................................................................................... 20
Annualized Compensation ...................................................................................................................................... 20
Paychecks ............................................................................................................................................................... 20
Automatic Payroll Deposit ....................................................................................................................................... 20
Payroll Deductions .................................................................................................................................................. 21
Overtime Compensation ......................................................................................................................................... 21
Time Clocks ............................................................................................................................................................ 22
Benefits........................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Health, Dental and Life Insurance ........................................................................................................................... 22
Supplemental Insurance Benefits............................................................................................................................ 22
Cafeteria Plan Benefits (Section 125) ..................................................................................................................... 23
Workers’ Compensation Insurance ......................................................................................................................... 23
Unemployment Compensation Insurance ............................................................................................................... 23
Teacher Retirement ................................................................................................................................................ 23
Leaves and Absences ................................................................................................................................................... 24
Personal Leave ....................................................................................................................................................... 24
Sick Leave............................................................................................................................................................... 25
Local Leave ............................................................................................................................................................. 26
District and State Leave Buy-Back Program ........................................................................................................... 26
Family and Medical Leave ...................................................................................................................................... 26
Temporary Disability ............................................................................................................................................... 29
Workers’ Compensation Benefits ............................................................................................................................ 29
Assault Leave.......................................................................................................................................................... 29
Bereavement Leave ................................................................................................................................................ 30
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
2
Jury Duty ................................................................................................................................................................. 30
Other Court Appearances ....................................................................................................................................... 30
Military Leave .......................................................................................................................................................... 30
Travel Policy................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Use of GCISD Vehicles ........................................................................................................................................... 30
Instructions for Staff Travel ..................................................................................................................................... 31
Instructions for Consultants ..................................................................................................................................... 34
Transportation for Students ..................................................................................................................................... 34
Miscellaneous Travel Information............................................................................................................................ 35
Mileage Chart .......................................................................................................................................................... 36
Employee Relations and Communications ................................................................................................................. 37
Employee Recognition and Appreciation ................................................................................................................ 37
District Communications ......................................................................................................................................... 37
Media Contacts ....................................................................................................................................................... 37
District Publications ................................................................................................................................................. 37
Complaints and Grievances .................................................................................................................................... 37
Employee Conduct and Welfare ................................................................................................................................... 38
Standards of Conduct ............................................................................................................................................. 38
Texas Educators Code of Ethics ............................................................................................................................. 38
Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation ........................................................................................................... 41
Harassment of Students .......................................................................................................................................... 41
Employee to Employee ........................................................................................................................................... 42
Reporting Suspected Child Abuse .......................................................................................................................... 42
Technology Resources ........................................................................................................................................... 43
Personal Use of Electronic Media ........................................................................................................................... 44
Use of Electronic Media with Students .................................................................................................................... 45
Educational Technology and Acceptable Use ......................................................................................................... 46
Internet Access Acceptable Use Policy ................................................................................................................... 47
Criminal History & Background Checks/Employee Arrests and Convictions ........................................................... 48
Alcohol and Drug-Abuse Prevention ....................................................................................................................... 49
Tobacco Use ........................................................................................................................................................... 49
Fraud and Financial Impropriety.............................................................................................................................. 49
Conflict of Interest ................................................................................................................................................... 50
Gifts and Favors ...................................................................................................................................................... 50
Copyrighted Materials ............................................................................................................................................. 50
Associations and Political Activities......................................................................................................................... 50
Charitable Contributions .......................................................................................................................................... 51
Safety ...................................................................................................................................................................... 51
Possession of Firearms and Weapons.................................................................................................................... 51
Visitors in the Workplace ......................................................................................................................................... 51
Asbestos Management Plan ................................................................................................................................... 51
Pest Control Treatment ........................................................................................................................................... 52
Bad Weather Closing .............................................................................................................................................. 52
Emergencies ........................................................................................................................................................... 52
Purchasing Procedures ........................................................................................................................................... 53
Inventory Procedures .............................................................................................................................................. 54
Fiscal Responsibility – Record-Keeping .................................................................................................................. 54
Name and Address Changes .................................................................................................................................. 55
Personnel Records .................................................................................................................................................. 55
Building Use ............................................................................................................................................................ 55
Maintenance Requests ........................................................................................................................................... 55
Termination of Employment ......................................................................................................................................... 55
Resignations ........................................................................................................................................................... 55
Dismissal or Nonrenewal of Contract Employees ................................................................................................... 56
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
3
Dismissal of Noncontract Employees ...................................................................................................................... 56
Dismissal of Employees Under Employment Agreements ...................................................................................... 56
Exit Interviews and Procedures ............................................................................................................................... 57
Reports to the Texas Education Agency ................................................................................................................. 57
Reports Concerning Court-Ordered Withholding .................................................................................................... 57
Student Issues ............................................................................................................................................................... 58
Equal Educational Opportunities ............................................................................................................................. 58
Student Records ..................................................................................................................................................... 58
Parent and Student Complaints .............................................................................................................................. 58
Administering Medication to Students ..................................................................................................................... 59
Student Conduct and Discipline .............................................................................................................................. 59
Student Attendance................................................................................................................................................. 60
Bullying.................................................................................................................................................................... 60
Hazing ..................................................................................................................................................................... 60
Cafeteria.................................................................................................................................................................. 60
Bloodborne Pathogens ............................................................................................................................................ 61
Sharps Form ........................................................................................................................................................... 67
Accident Reporting .................................................................................................................................................. 69
Special Programs .......................................................................................................................................................... 69
At Risk Program ..................................................................................................................................................... 69
Dislexia Program ..................................................................................................................................................... 70
ESL (English as a Second Language) Program ...................................................................................................... 70
Family Services Program ........................................................................................................................................ 71
Guidance and Counseling Program ........................................................................................................................ 71
Technology Program ............................................................................................................................................... 71
Title One Reading ................................................................................................................................................... 72
Student Registration/Withdrawal ............................................................................................................................. 72
Policy Online Reference ................................................................................................................................................ 74
Appendix ........................................................................................................................................................................ 76
Employee Injury Report Form ................................................................................................................................. 77
Student Accident Record Form ............................................................................................................................... 79
Employee Absentee Sheet ...................................................................................................................................... 80
Direct Deposit Form ................................................................................................................................................ 81
Exit Interview Form ................................................................................................................................................. 82
Family and Medical Leave Act ................................................................................................................................ 84
Disciplinary Referral to Principal ............................................................................................................................. 85
Referral to Counselor .............................................................................................................................................. 86
Referral to Nurse ..................................................................................................................................................... 87
Special Education Referral Form ............................................................................................................................ 88
504 Referral Form ................................................................................................................................................... 89
Elementary Failing Students ................................................................................................................................... 90
Secondary Failing Students .................................................................................................................................... 91
Elementary and Secondary Grading Procedures .................................................................................................... 92
Homework Policy .................................................................................................................................................... 93
Quote Sheet ............................................................................................................................................................ 94
Requisition Form ..................................................................................................................................................... 95
Purchase Order ....................................................................................................................................................... 96
Extracurricular Requisition Request Form............................................................................................................... 97
Travel Voucher ........................................................................................................................................................ 98
Texas Sales and Use Tax Exemption Certification ................................................................................................. 99
Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax Exemption Certificate ................................................................................................ 100
Student Activity and Transportation Permission ...................................................................................................... 101
Parental Release and Self-Transport Form ............................................................................................................. 102
Child Sexual Abuse Plan ......................................................................................................................................... 103
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
4
EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK RECEIPT
Name ________________________________________________
Campus/department ____________________________________
I hereby acknowledge receipt of information that the Grape Creek ISD Employee Handbook and Supplement to the
Handbook that includes important district policies is available to me on the district’s website at www.grapecreekisd.net
under Staff Resources. I agree to read the handbook and abide by the standards, policies, and procedures defined or
referenced in this document. I also understand that I may access the policies, including employment policies, online at
www.grapecreekisd.net by clicking on Administration at the top of the page, then Board Policy Online under Important
Links/Documents.
I understand that each campus and the administration office has a copy of the handbook for my convenience. I understand
that each campus library and the Custodial/Maintenance/Transportation office has Internet access. I understand that I may
print the handbook from the web site.
The information in this handbook is subject to change. I understand that changes in district policies may supersede, modify,
or eliminate the information summarized in this booklet. 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 relationships are intended by this
handbook.
I understand that I have an obligation to inform my supervisor or department head, our Payroll/Human Resource Clerk and
the State Board of Educator Certification (if applicable) of any changes in personal information, such as name change,
phone number, address, etc. I also accept responsibility for contacting my supervisor or the personnel department if I have
questions or concerns or need further explanation.
By signing this document, I recognize and accept full responsibility for any violations of federal, state or local copyright laws
that I may commit and that the district will not be held liable for any such violations made on my behalf.
Furthermore, in consideration for the privilege of using the district's electronic communication 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, without
limitation, the type of damage identified in the district's policy and administrative regulations.
______________________________________
Signature
_________________________
Date
Note: You will be given a copy of this form to complete and return to your campus/department office.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
5
STUDENT HANDBOOK AND CODE OF CONDUCT RECEIPT
Name ________________________________________________
Campus/department ____________________________________
I hereby acknowledge I have online access to a copy of the Grape Creek ISD Student Handbook and Code of Conduct at
www.grapecreekisd.net. I agree to read the handbook and abide by the standards, policies, and procedures defined or
referenced in this document.
The information in this handbook is subject to change. I understand that changes in district policies may supersede, modify,
or eliminate the information summarized in this booklet. 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 relationships are intended by this
handbook.
I accept responsibility for contacting my supervisor or the personnel department if I have questions or concerns or need
further explanation.
By signing this document, I recognize and accept full responsibility for any violations of federal, state or local copyright laws
that I may commit and that the District will not be held liable for any such violations made on my behalf.
______________________________________
Signature
_________________________
Date
Note: You will be given a copy of this form to complete and return to your campus/department office.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
6
CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT
Name: ________________________________
PRINT Full Name
I understand that any information concerning any student/individual that may be personally identifiable, which may come to
my knowledge while an employee of the Grape Creek Independent School District, is to be held in the strictest confidence.
I understand that any unauthorized disclosure of confidential student information is illegal as provided in the Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), and in the implementing of federal regulations found in 34 CFR, Part
99. FERPA is specifically incorporated into the Texas Public Information Act as an exception to records that are subject to
disclosures to the public (Government Code, Section 552.026).
I also understand that releasing confidential information is prohibited by the Texas Government code, Section 552.352, and
that such an offense constitutes a Class A misdemeanor.
General access to the PEIMS (Public Education Information Management System) information is authorized to
representatives of state and local educational authorities and is to be used for the purpose of providing programmatic
services to districts, to enhance district performance, increase student achievement and ensure accuracy of PEIMS data.
Any district financial or personnel information that is considered private must also be kept confidential.
As a participant in accessing the information, I agree to comply with the above referenced law and all other laws and
policies governing student and district confidentiality.
___________________________________________
Signature
_______________________
Date
Reminder: Personal identification data is confidential and must be carefully protected; paper discards must be shredded.
Note: You will be given a copy of this form to complete and return to your campus/department office.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
7
PERSONAL INFORMATION DENIAL / PERMISSION FORM
Re: Open Records Act
On occasion, professional organizations, insurance companies or other vendors make official requests for the names, home
addresses, telephone numbers, work locations, job classifications etc… of each employee in our school district. The Texas
Open Records Act (ORA) requires all information listed above to be released upon receipt of a written request. However,
the employee may choose to deny access to his/her home address, telephone number, social security number, or any other
information that reveals whether the person has family members.
In order to deny access to this information, the employee must make the request in writing and present the written request
to the district’s personnel officer.
Every employee is required to sign and date the form below, where appropriate, and return the form to the school’s
administration office, to the attention of the payroll clerk, by no later than Friday, August 23, 2013. If you have any
questions, please contact the GCISD Payroll/Human Resources Clerk at 658-7823, ext. 1003.
Employee’s Name (please print): ______________________________________________________________
By signing below, I am requesting my home address, telephone numbers (including cell numbers), personal email address,
emergency contact information or any other information that reveals whether I have family members be withheld from
anyone making a formal request for that information from the Grape Creek Independent School District.
_____________________________________________________ __________________________________
Signature
Date
-ORI give permission for my home address, telephone numbers (including cell numbers), personal email address, emergency
contact information or any other information that reveals whether I have family members to be released to those who make
request for it from Grape Creek Independent School District.
____________________________________________________ ___________________________________
Signature
Date
Note: You will be given a copy of this form to complete and return to your campus/department office.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
8
EMPLOYEE DRESS CODE
Approved by District Site Base April 18, 2012
Approved by GCISD Board of Trustees May 14, 2012
Grape Creek ISD employees should always dress professionally and be neatly groomed. The following dress code should
be followed for all instructional staff:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Dresses shorter than the student dress code specifications are unacceptable.
Shorts are not acceptable on instructional days.
Walking shorts are acceptable, but will not be shorter than the student dress code specifies.
Blue jeans and wind pants are permissible only on days designated by campus administrators.
Wind pants, shorts and warm ups are acceptable for P.E. and athletics, but not for regular classroom instruction.
Exceptions can be made by campus principals.
See-through blouses are unacceptable.
Street shoes, tennis shoes and sandals may be worn, but not shower shoes.
Facial hair is acceptable for men, if trimmed and kept neat.
No caps or hats will be worn in the building.
Tattoos must be covered. Piercing accessories other than those for the ear must be removed.
Generally, if a rule applies to students as defined by the Grape Creek ISD Student Dress Code, it would apply to the
employees as well.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
9
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 superintendent of schools.
This handbook is neither a contract nor a substitute for the official district policy manual. It is not intended to alter the at-will
status of employees in any way. Rather, it is a guide to and a brief explanation of district policies and procedures related to
employment. District 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 online at http://www.tasb.org/policy/pol/private/226907/.
District Vision Statement & Goals
Adopted August 11, 2009
GCISD is a World Class learning center where all students and staff are inspired and challenged to
think and learn to their full potential.
Goals
1. GCISD will take advantage of all funding opportunities to continually maintain a strong financial
system in order to enhance the academic environment for all students and employees, while
striving for a Superior financial rating.
2. GCISD will provide inviting, clean and safe state of the art facilities that will meet the academic
needs of both the present and future while generating community pride and involvement.
3. GCISD will provide a motivated and inspired staff that will meet the diverse needs of all students
through curriculum and instruction to reach their full potential in life skills, technical preparation and
college readiness.
4. GCISD will improve its advertising of district successes to its community.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
10
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 law 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. Trustees are elected on odd numbered years and serve four-year terms.
Trustees serve without compensation, must be registered voters, and must reside in the district.
Board Members
Mike Diaz .......................................... President
Tom Walker ....................................... Vice President
Butch Hasty ....................................... Secretary
Fred Contreras .................................. Trustee
Diane James ..................................... Trustee
Jimmy Hill .......................................... Trustee
Scott Smetana................................... Trustee
The board usually meets at 6:30 pm on the second Monday of each month in the Grape Creek Community Room, located at
8207 U.S. Hwy. 87 North. In the event that large attendance is anticipated, the board may meet at Grape Creek High
School. Special meetings may be called when necessary. A written notice of regular and special meetings will be posted at
the administration 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 to consult with attorneys regarding pending litigation. BEC Legal
Board meeting schedule for 2013-2014
August 12, 2013
September 9, 2013
October 14, 2013
November 11, 2013
December 9, 2013
January 14, 2014
February 11, 2014
March 11, 2014
April 8, 2014
May 13, 2014
June 10, 2014
July 8, 2014
Audience participation at a board meeting is limited to the public comment portion of the meeting. Persons who wish to
make comments to the board shall sign up before the meeting begins, indicating the topic about which they wish to speak.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
11
Administration
Superintendent……………………………..
Asst. Supt. of Three Rivers Coop…..……
Business Manager…………..……………..
High School Principal………………………
Middle School Principal……………………
Intermediate Elementary Principal……….
Primary Elementary Principal…………….
David Hale…..……………...
Paul Michalewicz..………....
Theresa Bird………………..
Roger Henderson…………
Greg Baucom……………….
Leigh Ann Stephens……….
Angie Covey………………..
658-7823, ext. 1000
655-6768, ext. 1205
655-7458, ext. 1004
653-1852, ext. 5013
655-1735, ext. 3002
655-1735, ext. 2010
655-1735, ext. 2001
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.
Carla Barron.……………………………
Kim Hancock……….…………………..
Audrey Lankford……..…………………
Jordan Cox…………..………………….
Cindy Lemley……………………………
Rick Bacon………………………………
Kyle Atwood…………………………….
Tonya Draper……………………………
Dave Augustine………………..………..
Dennis Millner………………………….
Theresa Bird…………………………….
Teri Deweber……………………………
Terry Feathers………………………….
Summer Fowler……….………………..
Assistant High School Principal…………………………….
High School Counselor………………………………………
Middle School Dean of Students……………………………
Middle School Counselor……………………………………
Elementary Counselor……………………………………….
Technology Director….………………………………………
Athletic Director………………………………………………
Food Services Director….…………………………………..
Transportation Director…..…………………………………..
Maintenance/Custodial Supervisor…………………………
Business Manager……………………………………………
Administrative Assistant/Communications Specialist……
Payroll Clerk…………………………………………………..
Accounts Payable…………………………………………….
FAX NUMBERS:
Primary/Intermediate Elementary…….
Middle School………………….……….
High School…………………….………
Administration………………………….
Three Rivers Special Pops Coop……
658-2623
657-2997
653-3568
658-8719
655-6915
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
12
655-1852, ext. 5013
653-1852, ext. 5006
655-1735, ext. 3003
658-2485, ext. 3010
655-1735, ext. 2012
653-1852, ext. 5012
658-7628, ext. 4000
653-1852, ext. 2016
655-1735, ext. 6000
655-1735, ext. 6000
658-7823, ext. 1004
658-7823, ext. 1000
658-7823, ext. 1003
658-7823, ext. 1007
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
13
EMPLOYMENT
Equal employment opportunity
Policies DAA and DIA
The Grape Creek ISD does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color,
religion, gender, age, national origin, 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 relating to discrimination on any of the basis listed above should contact the district
superintendent.
Job vacancy announcements
Policy DC
To the extent possible, announcements of job vacancies by position and location are posted on a regular basis and posted
at the central administration building. They may also be viewed online at the District's website: www.grapecreekisd.net.
Employment after retirement
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 Web Site (www.trs.state.tx.us). See Policy DC
Contract and non-contract employment
Policies DC Series
State law requires the district to employ all full-time professional employees in positions requiring a State Board for Educator
Certification (SBEC) and nurses under probationary, term, or continuing contracts. Employees in all other positions are
employed at will or by a contract that is not subject to the procedures for non-renewal or termination under Chapter 21 of the
Texas Education Code. The paragraphs that follow provide a general description of the employment arrangements used by
the district.
Probationary contracts – Nurses and full-time professional employees new to the district and employed in positions
requiring SBEC certification must receive a probationary contract during their first year of employment. Former employees
who are hired after a two-year lapse in district employment or employees who move to a position requiring a new class of
certification also may be employed by probationary contract. Probationary contracts are one-year contracts. The
probationary period for those who have been employed in public schools for at least five of the eight years preceding
employment with the district may not exceed one school year. For those with less experience, the probationary period will
be three school years (i.e., three one-year contracts) with an optional fourth school year if the board determines it is doubtful
whether a term or continuing contract should be given.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
14
Term Contracts - Full-time professionals employed in positions requiring certification and nurses will be employed by term
or continuing contracts after they have successfully completed the probationary period. Campus principals and central
office administrators are employed under two-year term contracts. The terms and conditions of employment are detailed in
the contract and employment policies. All employees will receive a copy of their contract. Employment policies can be
accessed online or copies will be provided upon request.
PLEASE NOTE: All employment contracts are conditioned on Employee's satisfactorily providing the certification, service
records, teaching credentials, and other records required by law, the Texas Education Agency, the State Board of Educator
Certification, or the District. Failure to submit valid certification to the Superintendent before the first day of performance
voids the employment contract. Misrepresentation or fraud by the Employee in any of these records or the employment
application is good cause for discharge. Employee represents that she or he has made written disclosure to the District of
any conviction for a felony or for any offense involving moral turpitude. It is the Employee's duty to make sure all
required documents are on file at the District Administrative office.
Non-certified professional and administrative employees - Employees in professional and administrative positions that
do not require SBEC certification (such as non-instructional administrators) are employed by a one-year contract that is not
subject to the procedures for non-renewal or termination under the Texas Education Code.
Paraprofessional and auxiliary employees - All paraprofessional and auxiliary employees, regardless of certification, are
employed at will and not by contract. Employment is not for any specified term and may be terminated at any time by either
the employee or the district.
Fingerprinting – Pre-employment fingerprinting and national database background checks and registry are required of all
employees, volunteers and contractors having regular access to students.
The cost of pre-employment fingerprinting and background checks for non-certified and certified employees will be
absorbed by the district or the state with few exceptions. In the event of separation prior to 1 full year of service, these fees
will be withheld from final payroll distributions.
Substitute employees will be required to pay for the fingerprinting costs up front and will be reimbursed after five full days of
service in the district.
Certification and Licenses
Policy DBA
Professional employees whose positions require SBEC certification or professional license are responsible for taking
actions to ensure their credentials do not lapse. Employees must submit documentation that they have passed the required
certification exam and/or obtained or renewed their credentials to the HR/Payroll office in a timely manner.
A certified employee’s contract may be voided without due process and employment terminated if the individual does not
hold a valid certificate or fails to fulfill the requirements necessary to extend a temporary certificate, emergency certificate,
probationary certificate, or permit. A contract may also be voided if SBEC suspends or revokes certification because of an
individual’s failure to comply with criminal history background checks. Contact the GCISD Business Office at 658-7823, if
you have any questions regarding certification or licensure requirements.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
15
Searches and alcohol and drug testing
Policy DHE
Non-investigatory searches in the workplace, including accessing an employee’s desk, file cabinets, or work area to obtain
information needed for usual business purposes may occur when an employee is unavailable. Therefore, employees are
hereby notified that they have no legitimate expectation of privacy in those places. In addition, the district reserves the right
to conduct searches when there is reasonable cause to believe a search will uncover evidence of work-related misconduct.
Such an investigatory search may include drug and alcohol testing if the suspected violation relates to drug or alcohol use.
The district may search the employee, the employee’s personal items, work areas, district-owned computers, lockers, and
private vehicles parked on district premises or worksites or used in district business.
Employees Required to Have a Commercial Driver’s License - Any employee whose duties require a commercial
driver’s license (CDL) is subject to drug and alcohol testing. This includes all drivers who operate a motor vehicle designed
to transport 16 or more people, counting the driver; drivers of large vehicles; or drivers of vehicles used in the transportation
of hazardous materials. Teachers, coaches, or other employees who primarily perform duties other than driving are subject
to testing requirements when their duties include driving a commercial motor vehicle.
Drug testing will be conducted before an individual assumes driving responsibilities. Alcohol and drug tests will be
conducted when reasonable suspicion exists, at random, when an employee returns to duty after engaging in prohibited
conduct, and as a follow-up measure. Testing may be conducted following accidents. Return-to-duty and follow-up testing
will be conducted when an employee who has violated the prohibited alcohol conduct standards or tested positive for
alcohol or drugs returns to duty.
All employees required to have a CDL that are subject to alcohol and drug testing will receive a copy of the district’s policy,
the testing requirements, and detailed information on alcohol and drug abuse and the availability of assistance programs.
Employees with questions or concerns relating to alcohol and drug policies and related educational material should contact
the district superintendent.
Health Safety Training
Policies DBA and DMA
Certain employees who are involved in physical activities for students must maintain and submit to the district proof of
current certification of training in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the use of an automated external
defibrillator (AED), and extracurricular athletic activity safety. Certification or documentation of training must be issued by
the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, University Interscholastic League, or another organization that
provides equivalent training and certification. Employees subject to this requirement must submit their certification or
documentation to Jajean Johnson, District Nurse, by September 13, 2013.
Reassignments and transfers
Policy DK
All personnel are subject to assignment and reassignment by the superintendent or designee when the superintendent or
designee determines that the assignment or reassignment is in the best interest of the district. Reassignment is a transfer to
another position, department, or facility that does not necessitate a change in the employment contract. Campus
reassignments must be approved by the principal at the receiving campus except when reassignments are due to
enrollment shifts or program changes. Extracurricular or supplemental duty assignments may be reassigned at any time
unless an extracurricular or supplemental duty assignment is part of a dual-assignment contract. Employees who object to a
reassignment may follow the district process for employee complaints as outlined in this handbook and district policy DGBA
(LOCAL).
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
16
An employee with the required qualifications for a position may request a transfer to another campus or department. A
written request for transfer must be completed and signed by the employee and the employee’s supervisor. A teacher
requesting a transfer to another campus before the school year begins must submit their request by May 1. Requests for
transfer during the school year will be considered only when the change will not adversely affect students and after a
replacement has been found. All transfer requests will be coordinated by the administration office and must be approved by
the receiving supervisor.
Workload and work schedules
Policies DEA and DL
Professional employees. Professional and academic administrators are exempt from overtime pay and are employed on a
10-, 11-, or 12-month basis, according to the work schedules set by the district. A school calendar is adopted each year
designating the work schedule for teachers and all school holidays. Notice of work schedules start and end dates and
scheduled holidays will be distributed each school year.
Classroom teachers will have planning periods for instructional preparation, including conferences. The schedule of
planning periods is set at the campus level but must provide at least 450 minutes within each two-week period in blocks not
less than 45 minutes within the instructional day. Teachers and librarians are entitled to a duty-free lunch period of at least
30 minutes. The district may require teachers to supervise students during lunch one day a week when no other personnel
are available.
Paraprofessional and auxiliary employees. Support employees are employed at will and will be notified of the required
duty days, holidays, and hours of work for their position on an annual basis. Paraprofessional and auxiliary employees are
not exempt from overtime and are not authorized to work in excess of their assigned schedule without prior approval from
their supervisor. Overtime is considered anything in excess of a 40-hour work week. Salaries are figured based on a 40hour work week and any time worked in excess of 40 hours is considered overtime. (See p.21 for more on overtime). All
overtime must have pre-approval by the employee’s supervisor.
Part-time Employment. Any employee who regularly works 30 hours or less per week is considered a part-time employee
and may not eligible for benefits.
Notification to parents regarding qualifications
Policies DBA and DK
In schools receiving Title I funds, the district is required by the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) to notify parents at the
beginning of each school year that they may request information regarding the professional qualifications of their child’s
teacher. NCLB also requires that parents be notified if their child has been assigned, or taught for four or more consecutive
weeks by, a teacher who is not highly qualified.
Texas law requires that parents be notified if their child is assigned for more than 30 consecutive instructional days to a
teacher who does not hold an appropriate teaching certificate. This notice is not required if parental notification under NCLB
is sent. Inappropriately certified or uncertified teachers include individuals serving with an emergency permit (including
individuals waiting to take a certification exam) and individuals who do not hold any certificate or permit. Information relating
to teacher certification will be made available to the public upon request.
Employees who have questions about their certification status can call the administration office at 658-7823, ext. 1000.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
17
Outside employment and tutoring
Policy DBD
Employees are required to disclose in writing to their immediate supervisor any outside employment that may create a
potential conflict of interest with their assigned duties and responsibilities or the best interest of the district. Supervisors will
consider outside employment on a case-by-case basis and determine whether it should be prohibited because of a conflict
of interest. Teachers are not allowed to privately tutor their students for pay, except during the summer months.
Performance Evaluation
Policies DN Series
Evaluation of an employee’s job performance is a continuous process that focuses on improvement. Performance
evaluation is based on an employee’s assigned job duties and other job-related criteria. All employees will participate in the
evaluation process with their assigned supervisor at least annually. Written evaluations will be completed on forms
approved by the district. Reports, correspondence, and memoranda also can be used to document performance
information. All employees will receive a copy of their written evaluation, have a performance conference with their
supervisor, and have the opportunity to respond to the evaluation.
Employee involvement
Policies BQA, BQB
At both the campus and district levels, Grape Creek ISD offers opportunities for input in matters that affect employees and
influence the instructional effectiveness of the district. As part of the district’s planning and decision-making process,
employees may either be asked or elected to serve on district- or campus-level advisory committees. Plans and detailed
information about the shared decision-making process are available at each campus.
Staff development
Policy DMA
Staff development activities are organized to meet the needs of employees and the district. Staff development for
instructional personnel is predominantly campus-based, related to achieving campus performance objectives, addressed in
the campus improvement plan, and approved by a campus-level advisory committee. Staff development for noninstructional personnel is designed to meet specific licensing requirements (e.g., bus drivers) and continued employee skill
development.
Individuals holding renewable SBEC certificates are responsible for obtaining the required training hours and maintaining
appropriate documentation.
Appraisal Procedures
Policy DNA
Training for teachers will be provided no later than the final day of the first three weeks of school and at least three weeks
before the first observation on the PDAS instrument. The training will include materials approved by the commissioner of
education. The teacher orientation must include all policies, local appraisal calendar, and information on the requirements
for the completion of the Teacher Self-Report Form.
Section I of the Teacher Self-Report Forms will be received and returned to the appraiser by the teacher no later than the
last day of the first three weeks of school. Sections II and III of the Teacher Self-Report will be received and reviewed two
weeks prior to the teacher’s annual summative conference.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
18
Cumulative data will be collected and shared with the teacher in writing. Any documentation that will influence the teacher’s
annual summative report will be shared and verified within ten working days of the appraiser’s knowledge of the occurrence.
A complete written summative annual report will be presented at a conference no later than 15 working days before the last
day of instruction for students.
Teachers may be allowed to “wave off” an observation. A teacher may exercise the option of requesting that the observer
return on another day without penalty. The “wave off” option should not be abused.
Teacher observations will be one 45 minute observation or observations equaling 45 minutes (i.e. three 15 minute or one 15
minute and one 30 minute) and/or walk through observations will be conducted as per the district appraisal calendar.
Advance notice may be given, but is not required. A pre or post-conference with the appraiser may be requested by the
teacher, this may be done within ten working days of the observation. The written observation will be prepared and shared
with the teacher within ten working days of the observation.
All observations for appraisal purposes will be unscheduled. However, the campus appraisers may use a three-week
window for schedules. The number of appraisals and/or observations that a teacher may have during the year is always at
the discretion of the administrator.
The appraisal period shall exclude the first three weeks of instruction. Formal observations shall not be conducted on the
last instructional day before any school holiday.
2013-2014 Appraisal Calendar
Date
Event
August 22, 2013
PDAS Orientation Completion
September 16, 2013
First Day for Formal Observations
September 16, 2013
Teacher Self-Report Part I Due
Aug. 30; Nov. 27; Dec. 20; Mar. 7; May 23
No Formal Observations Preceding a Holiday
April 3, 2014
Last Day for Teacher Self-Report Parts II and III Due
April 11, 2014
Deadline for Completion of Observations for Appraisals
April 30, 2014
Last Day for Written Summative to be given to Teachers
May 7, 2014
Last Day to Conduct Summative Annual Conferences
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
19
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Salaries, wages, and stipends
Policy DEA, DEAA, DEAB
Employees are paid in accordance with administrative guidelines and a pay structure established for each position. The
district’s pay plans are reviewed by the administration each year and adjusted as needed. All district positions are classified
as exempt or nonexempt according to federal law. Professional and academic administrators are generally classified as
exempt and are paid monthly salaries. They are not entitled to overtime compensation. Other employees are generally
classified as nonexempt and are paid an hourly wage or salary or receive compensatory time or overtime pay for each
overtime hour worked beyond 40 in a workweek. (See Overtime Compensation, page 21.)
Salaries and wages are reviewed on an annual basis and adjusted according to the budgeted amounts approved by the
board. All employees will receive written notice of their pay and work schedules before the start of each school year.
Classroom teachers, full-time librarians, full-time nurses and full-time counselors will be paid no less than the minimum state
salary schedule. Contract employees who perform extracurricular or supplemental duties may be paid a stipend in addition
to their salary according to the district’s extra-duty pay schedule.
Due Dates for Employee Leaves of Absences
The cut-off date for Employee Leave of Absences/Substitute Teacher sheets will be the 15th of each month. If the 15th falls
on a weekend, it will be due the following Monday.
Employees should contact the Payroll Clerk at 658-7823, ext.1003 for more information about the district’s pay schedules or
their own pay.
Annualized compensation
Policy DEA
The district pays all salaried employees over 12 months regardless of the number of months employed during the school
year. Salaried employees will be paid in equal monthly or bimonthly payments, beginning with the first pay period of the
school year. An employee, who separates from service before the last day of instruction or retires under TRS, will receive in
his or her final paycheck, a lump sum payment for wages actually earned from the beginning of the school year to the date
of separation. Employees that separate after the last day of instruction will continue to receive paychecks through the end of
the summer.
Paychecks
All professional and salaried employees are paid monthly through automatic deposits made to individual employee checking
or savings accounts. An employee’s payroll statement contains detailed information including deductions, withholding
information, and the amount of leave accumulated.
Requests for Final Disbursements for separating employees who have fulfilled contract obligations should be made by the
cut-off date for payroll in any given month.
Automatic payroll deposit
The district distributes employee checks through automatic payroll deposit. Payroll checks are deposited electronically into
the employee’s personal banking account. Employees must arrange this procedure with the District's payroll clerk for
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
20
proper authorization. With automatic deposit, an employee’s pay is immediately available on the pay date. Contact the
business director for more information about the automatic payroll deposit service. Please see form on page 81.
Payroll deductions
Policy CFEA
The district is required to make the following automatic payroll deductions:
- Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Social Security employee contributions
- Federal income tax required for all full-time employees
- Medicare tax (applicable only to employees hired after March 31, 1986)
Temporary and part-time employees who are not eligible for TRS membership must have their Social Security contributions
deducted.
Other payroll deductions employees may elect include deductions for the employee’s share of premiums for health, dental,
life, and vision insurance, annuities, and higher education savings plans. Employees also may request payroll deduction for
payment of membership dues to professional organizations. Please Note: The District will not pay dues for
memberships to professional organizations unless the membership is required for certification. Salary deductions
are automatically made for unauthorized or unpaid leave.
Salary deductions will be made for recovery of NSF checks or checks returned to the district issued by an employee. Any
charges owed GCISD at the end of the final pay period will be deducted from the employee’s paycheck, including but not
limited to unpaid balances for cell phone plans, uniforms and cafeteria charges.
Overtime compensation
Policy DEA
The district compensates overtime for nonexempt employees in accordance with federal wage and hour laws. Only
nonexempt employees (hourly employees and paraprofessional employees) are entitled to overtime compensation.
Nonexempt employees are not authorized to work beyond their normal work schedule without advance approval from their
supervisor.
Overtime is legally defined as all hours worked in excess of 40 hours in a work week and is not measured by the day or by
the employee’s regular work schedule. Nonexempt employees that are paid on a salary basis are paid for a 40-hour
workweek and do not earn additional pay unless they work more than 40 hours. Employees who must work beyond their
normal schedule but less than 40 hours per week will be compensated in straight-time pay or compensatory time off.
Employees must work more than 40 total hours in a week to earn overtime compensation.
For the purpose of calculating overtime, a workweek begins at 12:00 a.m. Saturday and ends at 11:59 p.m. Friday.
Employees may be compensated for overtime with compensatory time off (comp time) or direct pay at time-and-a-half rates.
Comp time for non-exempt employees will follow local board policy (See DEA Local).
Employees may be compensated for overtime at time-and-a-half rate with compensatory time off (comp time) or direct pay.
The following applies to all nonexempt employees:
o Employees can accumulate up to 60 hours of compensatory time.
o Comp time must be used in the duty year that it is earned.
o Use of comp time may be at the employee’s request with supervisor approval as workload permits, or at the
supervisor’s direction.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
21
o An employee may be required to use comp time before using any other available paid leave (e.g., sick,
personal, vacation).
o Weekly time records will be maintained on all nonexempt employees for the purpose of wage and salary
administration.
Time Clocks
All support staff (non-salaried maintenance, transportation, instructional aides or office personnel) must clock in at the
beginning of each work day, clock in and out during lunch breaks or any other leaves or breaks taken during the day, and
clock out at the end of each work day. Employees are not allowed to clock in or out for any other employee; doing so will be
grounds for termination.
Employees are to arrive and depart work promptly according to their designated work schedules. Each employee must
clock out at lunch. Any working through a lunch hour must be pre-approved by the direct supervisor. No overtime is
allowed without prior approval from the direct supervisor. Anyone violating this policy will be “written up” and will be subject
to possible termination. The payroll department will be checking with supervisors concerning any time worked in excess of
40 hours per week.
For questions concerning the time clocks or any policies associated with this procedure, please contact the district payroll
clerk at 658-7823, ext. 1003.
BENEFITS
Health, dental, and life insurance
Policy CRD
Group health insurance coverage is provided through TRS-ActiveCare, the statewide public school employee health
insurance program. The district’s contribution to employee insurance premiums is determined annually by the board of
trustees. Employees eligible for health insurance coverage include the following:
•
•
Employees who are active, contributing TRS members
Employees who are not contributing TRS members and who are regularly scheduled to work at least 10 hours per
week
TRS retirees who are enrolled in TRS-Care (retiree health insurance program) and employees who are not contributing TRS
members that are regularly scheduled to work less than 10 hours per week are not eligible to participate in TRS-ActiveCare.
The insurance plan year is from September 1 through August 31. Current employees can make changes in their insurance
coverage during open enrollment each spring. Detailed descriptions of insurance coverage, employee cost, and eligibility
requirements are provided to all employees in a separate booklet. Employees should contact the business office for more
information.
Supplemental insurance benefits
Policy CRD
At their own expense, employees may enroll in supplemental insurance programs. Premiums for these programs can be
paid by payroll deduction. All payroll deductions to new providers must be approved by the District’s third party
administrator. Employees should contact the payroll clerk/benefits coordinator for more information.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
22
Cafeteria plan benefits (Section 125)
Policy CRG
Employees may be eligible to participate in the Cafeteria Plan (Section 125) and, under IRS regulations, must either accept
or reject this benefit. This plan enables eligible employees to pay certain insurance premiums on a pretax basis (i.e.,
disability, accidental death and dismemberment, cancer and dread disease, dental and additional term life insurance). A
third-party administrator handles employee claims made on these accounts.
New employees must accept or reject this benefit during their first month of employment. All employees must accept or
reject this benefit on an annual basis and during the specified time period.
Workers’ compensation insurance
Policy CRE
The district, in accordance with state law, provides workers’ compensation benefits to employees who suffer a work-related
illness or are injured on the job. Benefits help pay for medical treatment and make up for part of the income lost while
recovering. Specific benefits are prescribed by law depending on the circumstances of each case. All work-related accidents
or injuries shall be reported immediately to the employee’s supervisor. Employees who are unable to work due to a workrelated injury will be notified of their rights and responsibilities under the Texas Labor Code. An accident or injury report
must be submitted to your immediate supervisor regardless of whether you sought or will seek medical attention. (See form,
page 77). Also see Compensation and Benefits, page 20 for information on use of paid leave for such absences.
Unemployment compensation insurance
Policy CRF
Employees who have been laid off or terminated through no fault of their own may be eligible for unemployment
compensation benefits. Employees are not eligible to collect unemployment benefits during regularly scheduled breaks in
the school year or the summer months if they have employment contracts or reasonable assurance of returning to service.
Employees with questions about unemployment benefits should contact the district's administration office at 658-7823.
Teacher retirement
Policy DEG
All personnel employed on a regular basis for at least four and one-half months are members of the Texas Teacher
Retirement System (TRS). Substitutes not receiving TRS service retirement benefits who work at least 90 days a year are
also eligible for TRS membership and to purchase a year of creditable service. TRS provides members with an annual
statement of their account showing all deposits and the total account balance for the year ending August 31, as well as an
estimate of their retirement benefits.
For an individual who begins employment on or after September 1, 2003 with an employer that is a TRS reporting entity and
who is not a member of TRS as of the date of employment, eligibility for TRS pension plan membership begins on the first
calendar day after the end of a 90 calendar day waiting period.
Employees who plan to retire under TRS should notify the business director as soon as possible. Information on the
application procedures for TRS benefits is available in the administration offices. Additional inquiries should be addressed
to: Teacher Retirement System of Texas, 1000 Red River Street, Austin, TX 78701-2698, or call 800-223-8778 or 512-5426400. TRS information is also available on the TRS website (www.trs.state.tx.us).
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
23
LEAVES AND ABSENCES
Policies DEC, DECA, DECB
The district offers employees paid and unpaid leaves of absence in times of personal need. This handbook describes the
basic types of leave available and restrictions on leaves of absence. Employees who expect to be absent for an extended
period of more than five days should call the district’s business office for information about applicable leave benefits,
payment of insurance premiums and requirements for communicating with the district.
Leave must be used in half-day increments. However, if an employee is taking family and medical leave, leave shall be
recorded in one-hour increments. Earned comp time must be used before any available paid state and local leave. Unless
an employee requests a different order, available paid state and local leave will be used in the following order:
•
•
Local Leave
State Personal Leave
Employees must follow district and department or campus procedures to report or request any leave of absence and
complete the appropriate leave request form.
Medical Certification: Any employee who is absent more than 3 days because of a personal or family illness must submit
a medical certification from a qualified health care provider confirming the specific dates of the illness, the reason for the
illness, and (in the case of personal illness) the employee’s fitness to return to work.
The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) prohibits employers and other entities covered by GINA Title
II from requesting or requiring genetic information of an individual or family member of the individual, expect as specifically
allowed by this law. To comply with this law, we ask that employees and health care providers do not provide any genetic
information in any medical certification. “Genetic information”, as defined by GINA, includes an individual’s family medical
history, the results of an individual’s or family members’ genetic tests, the fact that an individual or an individual’s family
member sought or received genetic services, the genetic information of a fetus carried by an individual or an individual’s
family member or an embryo lawfully held by an individual or family member receiving assistive reproductive services.
Continuation of Health Insurance: Employees on an approved leave of absence other than family and medical leave may
continue their insurance benefits at their own expense. Health insurance benefits for employees on paid leave and leave
designated under the Family and Medical Leave Act will be paid by the district as they were prior to the leave. Otherwise,
the district does not pay any portion for employees who are on unpaid leave.
Under TRS-Active Care rules, an employee is no longer eligible for insurance through the district after six months of unpaid
leave other than FML. If an employee’s unpaid leave extends for more than six months, the district will provide the
employee with notice of COBRA rights.
Personal leave
Policy DEC (Local and Legal)
State law entitles all employees to five days of paid personal leave per year. Personal leave is available for use at the
beginning of the year. A day of personal leave is equivalent to an assigned workday. State personal leave accumulates
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
24
without limit, is transferable to other Texas school districts, and generally transfers to education service centers. Personal
leave may be used for two general purposes: nondiscretionary and discretionary.
Nondiscretionary - Leave that is taken for personal or family illness, family emergency, a death in the family, or active
military service is considered nondiscretionary leave. Reasons for this type of leave allow very little, if any advance
planning. Nondiscretionary leave may be used in the same manner as state sick leave.
Discretionary - Leave that is taken at an employee’s discretion and that can be scheduled in advance is considered
discretionary leave. An employee wishing to take discretionary personal leave must submit a request to his or her principals
or supervisor 3 days in advance of the anticipated absence. The effect of the employee’s absence on the educational
program or department operations, as well as the availability of substitutes, will be considered by the principal or supervisor.
Discretionary personal leave will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis and will be subject to the following limitations:
1. A maximum of 2 campus employees or 5% in each job category will be permitted to take discretionary personal leave at
the same time.
2. Discretionary leave may not last more than 5 consecutive workdays, except with special approval for extenuating
circumstances.
3. Discretionary leave may not be taken on the following key days. Exceptions to the use of personal leave, if considered
unusual or of an emergency nature, may be considered by the principal, department head or Superintendent.
•
•
•
•
During any required professional or staff development or in-service or before the first day of student attendance at
the beginning of the school year, except to complete a college course.
One week before or one week after the end of each semester grading period and the first or last week of school.
Two days before or two days after the Thanksgiving holidays, winter vacation, spring vacation, or other holidays
designated by the District on the official school calendar.
Two days before, during, and one day after any day designated for standardized testing of students that is required
by the state or the District, end-of-semester or end-of-year exams.
Sick leave
State sick leave accumulated before 1995 is available for use and may be transferred to other school districts in Texas.
State sick leave can be used only in whole or half day increments except in the following situations:
• When coordinated with family and medical leave taken on an intermittent or reduced schedule basis
• When coordinated with workers’ compensation benefits
If an employee uses more sick leave than he or she has earned, the cost of unearned sick leave will be deducted from the
employee’s next paycheck.
Sick leave may be used for the following reasons only:
•
•
•
•
•
Employee illness
Illness in the employee’s immediate family
Family emergency (i.e., natural disasters or life-threatening situations)
Death in the immediate family
Active military service
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
25
Local leave
All employees will have three local personal days and five leave days provided by the state. Local personal leave shall be
non-cumulative and shall be taken with no loss of pay.
Any unused local personal leave balance shall be reduced to zero immediately upon termination of employment with the
District. An employee is not entitled to be paid for unused local personal leave upon resignation, non-renewal, or
termination of employment.
District State Leave Buy-Back Program
Employees currently have the option to sell back days accumulated while employed at the District. This option may be
rescinded at any time by the school board. All state leave days eligible for buy back shall be leave days accumulated while
employed at the District. All days referred to in this policy shall be days accumulated while employed at the District. The
maximum number of days purchased from any employee shall be 50 days (lifetime maximum). Any employee retiring
through TRS may sell all of his or her days, up to the 50-day maximum. The employee does not need to hold ten days in
reserve.
The District shall buy back state leave days accumulated by each employee over ten days. Only days above ten
accumulated state leave days shall be eligible for the buy-back program. Each May, employees shall be given notice of the
number of eligible days he or she has to sell back to the District. Employees shall certify how many days the employee
would like to sell back. This buy-back shall be paid out as supplemental pay in the employee’s June paycheck.
For employees other than part-time employees, the buy-back rate shall be at the current professional substitute employee
rate. For part-time employees (e.g., bus drivers), the buy-back rate shall be at one-half the professional substitute
employee rate. If professional substitute employee rates increases, the buy-back rate shall increase accordingly.
Family and Medical Leave
Family and medical leave (FML)—general provisions
The following text is from the federal notice, Employee Rights and Responsibilities Under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Specific information that the district has adopted to implement the FMLA follows this general notice.
Basic Leave Entitlement. FMLA requires covered employers to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to
eligible employees for the following reasons:
•
•
•
•
For incapacity due to pregnancy, prenatal medical care or child birth;
To care for the employee’s child after birth, or placement for adoption or foster care;
To care for the employee’s spouse, son or daughter, or parent, who has a serious health condition; or
For a serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the employee’s job.
Military Family Leave Entitlements. An eligible employee whose spouse, son, daughter or parent is on covered active
duty or called to covered active duty status may use his or her 12-week leave entitlement to address certain qualifying
exigencies. Qualifying exigencies may include attending certain military events, arranging for alternative childcare,
addressing certain financial and legal arrangements, attending certain counseling sessions, and attending post-deployment
reintegration briefings.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
26
FMLA also includes a special leave entitlement that permits eligible employees to take up to 26 weeks of leave to care for a
covered service member during a single 12-month period. A covered servicemember is (1) a current member of the Armed
Forces, including a member of the National Guard or Reserves, who is undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or
therapy, is otherwise in outpatient status, or is otherwise on the termporaray disability retired list for a serious injury or
illness*; or (2) a veteran who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable at any time during the
five-year period prior to the first date the eligible employee takes FMLS leave to care for the covered veteran, and who is
undergoing medical treatment, recuperation, or therapy for a serious injury or illness.*
*The FMLS definitions of “serious injury or illness” for current servicemembers and veterans are distinct from the FMLA
definition of “serious health condition”.
Benefits and Protections. During FML leave, the employer must maintain the employee’s health coverage under any
“group health plan” on the same terms as if the employee had continued to work. Upon return from FMLA leave, most
employees must be restored to their original or equivalent positions with equivalent pay, benefits, and other employment
terms.
Use of FML cannot result in the loss of any employment benefit that accrued prior to the start of an employee’s leave.
Eligibility Requirements. Employees are eligible if they have worked for a covered employer for at least one year, for
1,250 hours over the previous 12 months, and if at least 50 employees are employed by the employer within 75 miles.
Definition of Serious Health Condition. A serious health condition is an illness, injury, impairment, or physical or mental
condition that involves either an overnight stay in a medical care facility, or continuing treatment by a health care provider
for a condition that either prevents the employee from performing the functions of the employee’s job, or prevents the
qualified family member from participating in school or other daily activities.
Subject to certain conditions, the continuing treatment requirement may be met by a period of incapacity of more than 3
consecutive calendar days combined with at least two visits to a health care provider or one visit and a regimen of
continuing treatment, or incapacity due to pregnancy, or incapacity due to a chronic condition. Other conditions may meet
the definition of continuing treatment.
Use of Leave. An employee does not need to use this leave entitlement in one block. Leave can be taken intermittently or
on a reduced leave schedule when medically necessary. Employees must make reasonable efforts to schedule leave for
planned medical treatment so as not to unduly disrupt the employer’s operations. Leave due to qualifying exigencies may
also be taken on an intermittent basis.
Substitution of Paid Leave for Unpaid Leave. Employees may choose or employers may require use of accrued paid
leave while taking FML when the need is foreseeable. When 30 days notice is not possible, the employee must provide
notice as soon as practicable and generally must comply with an employer’s normal call-in procedures.
Employee Responsibilities. Employees must provide 30 days advance notice of the need to take FMLA leave when the
need is foreseeable. When 30 days notice is not possible, the employee must provide notice as soon as practicable and
generally must comply with an employer’s normal call-in procedures.
Employees must provide sufficient information for the employer to determine if the leave may qualify for FMLA protection
and the anticipated timing and duration of the leave. Sufficient information may include that the employee is unable to
perform job functions, the family member is unable to perform daily activities, the need for hospitalization or continuing
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
27
treatment by a health care provider, or circumstances supporting the need for military family leave. Employees also must
inform the employer if the requested leave is for a reason for which FMLA leave was previously taken or certified.
Employees also may be required to provide a certification and periodic recertification supporting the need for leave.
Employer Responsibilities. Covered employers must inform employees requesting leave whether they are eligible under
FMLA. If they are the notice must specify any additional information required as well as the employees’ rights and
responsibilities. If they are not eligible, the employer must provide a reason for the ineligibility.
Covered employers must inform employees if leave will be designated as FML and the amount of leave counted against the
employee’s leave entitlement. If the employer determines that the leave is not FML, the employer must notify the employee.
Unlawful Acts by Employers. The FMLA makes it unlawful for any employer to:
•
Interfere with, restrain, or deny the exercise of any right protected under FMLA;
•
Discharge or discriminate against any person for opposing any practice made unlawful by FMLA or for involvement in
any proceeding under or relating to FMLA.
Enforcement. An employee may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor or may bring a private lawsuit against
an employer. FMLA does not affect any Federal or State law prohibiting discrimination, or supersede any State or local law
or collective bargaining agreement which provides greater family or medical leave rights.
FMLA section 109 (29 U.S.C. § 2619) required FMLA covered employers to post the text of this notice.
Regulations 29 C.F.R. § 825.300 (a) may require additional disclosures.
For additional information:
1-866-4US-WAGE (1-866-487-9243) TTY: 1-877-889-5627
www.wagehour.dol.gov
Local Family and Medical Leave provisions
Eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in the 12-month period beginning on the first duty day of the
school year
Use of paid leave. FML runs concurrently with accrued sick and personal leave, temporary disability leave, compensatory
time, assault leave, and absences due to a work-related illness or injury. The district will designate the leave as family and
medical leave, if applicable, and notify the employee that accumulated leave will run concurrently.
Combined leave for spouses. A husband and wife who are both employed by the district are limited to a combined total of
12 weeks of FMLA leave to care for a parent with a serious health condition; or for the birth, adoption, or foster placement of
a child. Military caregiver leave for spouses is limited to a combined total of 26 weeks.
Intermittent leave. When medically necessary or in the case of a qualifying exigency, an employee may take leave
intermittently or on a reduced schedule. The district does not permit the use of intermittent or reduced-schedule leave for
the care of a newborn child or for adoption or placement of a child with the employee.
District contact. Employees that require FML or have questions should contact the payroll clerk at 658-7823, ext. 18 for
details on eligibility, requirements, and limitations.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
28
Temporary disability
Certified Employees – Any full-time employee whose position requires certification from the State Board for Educator
Certification (SBEC) is eligible for temporary disability leave. The purpose of temporary disability leave is to provide job
protection to full-time educators who cannot work for an extended period of time because of a mental or physical disability of
a temporary nature. Temporary disability leave must be taken as a continuous block of time. It may not be taken
intermittently or on a reduced schedule. Pregnancy and conditions related to pregnancy are treated the same as any other
temporary disability. A full-time educator may voluntarily request to be placed on temporary disability leave or be placed on
leave involuntarily.
Employees must request approval for temporary disability leave. An employee’s notification of need for extended absence
due to the employee’s own medical condition shall be accepted as a request for temporary disability leave. The request
must be accompanied by a physician’s statement confirming the employee’s inability to work and estimating a probable date
of return. If disability leave is approved, the length of leave is no longer than 180 calendar days.
If an employee is placed on temporary disability leave involuntarily, he or she has the right to request a hearing before the
board of trustees. The employee may protest the action and present additional evidence of fitness to work.
When an employee is ready to return to work, the Superintendent should be notified at least 30 days in advance. The
return-to-work notice must be accompanied by a physician’s statement confirming that the employee is able to resume
regular duties. Certified employees returning from leave will be reinstated to the school to which they were previously
assigned if an appropriate position is available. If an appropriate position is not available, the employee may be assigned to
another campus, subject to the approval of the campus principal. If a position is not available before the end of the school
year, the employee will be reinstated to a position at the original campus at the beginning of the following school year.
Workers’ compensation benefits
DEC Local
An employee absent from duty because of a job-related illness or injury may be eligible for workers’ compensation weekly
income benefits if the absence exceeds seven calendar days. An employee receiving workers’ compensation wage benefits
for a job-related injury may choose to use available, partial-day increments of sick leave or any other paid leave benefits to
make up the difference between wage benefits and pre-injury or –illness wages. While an employee is receiving workers’
compensation wage benefits, the district will charge available leave proportionately so that the employee receives an
amount equal to the employee’s regular salary.
Assault leave
Assault leave provides extended job income and benefits protection to an employee who is injured as the result of a
physical assault suffered during the performance of his or her job. An injury is treated as an assault if the person causing
the injury could be prosecuted for assault or could not be prosecuted only because that person’s age or mental capacity
renders the person non-responsible for purposes of criminal liability.
An employee who is physically assaulted at work may take all the leave time medically necessary (up to two years) to
recover from the physical injuries he or she sustained. At the request of an employee, the district will immediately assign the
employee to assault leave. Days of leave granted under the assault leave provision will not be deducted from accrued
personal leave and must be coordinated with workers’ compensation benefits. Upon investigation the district may change
the assault leave status and charge leave used against the employee’s accrued paid leave. The employee’s pay will be
deducted if accrued paid leave is not available.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
29
Bereavement leave
Use of state personal and/or state sick leave for death in the immediate family shall not exceed five workdays per leave
occurrence, subject to approval of the district. State or local leave may be used for bereavement. Note: You must have
state or local leave days accumulated in your account or the leave will result in a reduction of pay for days missed.
Jury duty
Employees will receive leave with pay and without loss of accumulated leave for jury duty. Employees must present
documentation of the service and will be allowed to retain any compensation they receive.
Other court appearances
Employees will be paid while on leave to comply with a valid subpoena to appear in a civil, criminal, legislative, or
administrative proceeding and will not be required to use paid leave. Other absences for court appearances related to an
employee’s personal business must be taken as personal leave or leave without pay (if no personal leave is available).
Employees may be required to submit documentation of their need for leave for court appearances.
Military leave
Paid leave for Military Service - Any employee who is a member of the Texas National Guard, Texas State Guard, or
reserve component of the United States Armed Forces will be granted a paid leave of absence without loss of any
accumulated leave for authorized training or duty orders. Paid military leave will not exceed 15 days each federal fiscal year
(October 1–September 30). In addition, an employee is entitled to use available state and local personal or sick leave during
a time of active military service.
Reemployment after military leave. Employees who leave the district to enter into the United States uniformed services or
who are ordered to active state military duty (Texas National Guard or Texas State Guard) may return to employment if they
are honorably discharged. Employees who wish to return to the district will be reemployed in the position they would have
held if employment had not been interrupted or reassigned to an equivalent or similar position provided they can be qualified
to perform the required duties. To be eligible for reemployment, employees must provide notice of their obligation or intent
to perform military service, provide evidence of honorable discharge or release, and submit an application for reemployment
to the superintendent’s office. In most cases, the length of military service cannot exceed five years, and the employee
must apply for reemployment within the period of time specified in law.
Continuation of health insurance - Employees who perform service in the uniformed services may elect to continue their
health plan coverage for a period not to exceed 24 months. Employees should contact the district’s payroll clerk for details
on eligibility, requirements, and limitations.
TRAVEL POLICY
POLICY DEE
Use of GCISD Vehicles
If available, a school vehicle should be utilized for school-related travel instead of requesting mileage allocations. School
vehicles can be requested using a Trip Request Form, and should be filed well in advance of travel. School vehicles are
assigned considering reservation order, length of trip, number of passengers, fuel cost savings, etc. All other factors being
equal, student travel will have priority over staff travel.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
30
School vehicles will be issued with a fuel card and drivers are responsible for fueling upon return. Travel accounts will be
charged for actual vehicle fuel costs, rather than any per-mile surcharge used for bus travel. Cleaning fees may be
assessed to travel accounts if vehicles are returned in dirty condition.
In the event that a school vehicle is unavailable, mileage allocation may be requested on Travel Vouchers.
The vehicles owned by the Grape Creek ISD may be used by qualified employees for any travel in direct support of official
District business. A qualified employee is one who meets the standards set by the Department of Public Safety Driver
Responsibility Program’s point system. The vehicle must be driven to and from the Grape Creek ISD Transportation
Department due to federal income tax requirements regarding driving business vehicles to and from a residence.
The following procedures apply:
1. The district-owned vehicles will be controlled through the transportation office.
2. District employees may reserve the district-owned vehicles no less than five days in advance.
3. Requests to use rental vehicles for travel outside of the San Angelo vicinity must be approved by the Superintendent,
Business Director, Transportation Director or Campus Administrator.
4. A trip packet will be picked up from the Transportation Department immediately prior to using the district-owned
vehicles. This packet will contain:
a. the vehicle keys
b. cell phone
c. a gasoline credit card, if needed.
d. field trip request with authorized signatures, mileage code and driver code, if applicable.
5. Upon return to the district, the packet will be returned to the GCISD Transportation Office with the completed trip
request and fuel credit card receipts.
6. Charges for use of district-owned vehicles will be made to the travel budget code of the user at the rate of fuel usage
cost based on our district mileage chart. If approved for reimbursement, the district pays the state rate per mile for
personal car mileage. The GCISD Business Office will bill the using campus or department monthly from the trip
request. Payment will be made by completion of an expense voucher in the same manner as other in-district charges.
7. No personal vehicles are permitted inside the bus yard fence at any time. Personal vehicles must be parked outside the
fenced area. A secure, locked parking area is available across the street from the bus barn. Keys to the area are
included with the district vehicle keys.
Instructions for Staff Travel
1. Before any travel expenses are incurred by an employee, the employee’s supervisor must give approval.
Reimbursement for approved travel expenses incurred by all district employees is requested on a monthly basis by
submitting an approved travel voucher to the Business Office (see form, pg. 98). This form and appropriate instructions
have been incorporated into a word processing program, which can be obtained through the Business Office.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
31
All departure and arrival times must be entered for each trip – whether or not meals are claimed. The reason for the trip
and a contact person and phone number and/or organization must be shown. Be sure that the “Reason for the Trip”
space reflects a district program which relates to the fund number shown in the accounting information.
Entries should be made for each day for which travel expenses are claimed.
All charges other than mileage or meals must be validated by a receipt attached to the travel voucher (seminar fees,
parking, taxi fares, etc.). Registration fees for specific professional growth activities will be reimbursed (seminars,
conventions, etc.) Regular dues and fees to professional organizations are not reimbursable expenses unless they are
required for certification.
2. When more than one person travels from district headquarters, administrators are requested to coordinate travel to
ensure maximum use and cost effectiveness of transportation. Reimbursement shall be based on the following travel
allowance schedule:
1 – 4 participants:
5 – 8 participants:
9 – 10 participants:
1 car
2 cars
3 cars
In the event that fewer than five people attend an approved function and more than one car is driven from district
headquarters for which district travel funds are provided, the campus administrator or supervisor must decide which
person shall be reimbursed.
Note: Any exception to this policy must be requested in writing to the superintendent.
3. When two or more participants travel in a single private automobile, only one shall receive reimbursement for mileage.
4. Mileage is charged or reimbursed from GCISD headquarters or the employee’s home (whichever is fewer miles) to valid
destinations based on the mileage chart (see chart on page 36). Out of state distances will be reimbursed based on a
current road map, using the most direct, practical route. If deviation from the direct route is necessary, document the
reason (pick up someone, etc.) under the “Comments” section. In-town (San Angelo) must be documented in the same
way as cross-country mileage (departure, time/point, purpose, and person or organization contacted) and must relate to
official district duties; i.e., to and from a meeting place. Trips to and from restaurants and other personal trips may not
be included.
Employees traveling to homes of clients (parents/students) shall be reimbursed for mileage based on the odometer
reading. Odometer readings shall reflect mileage from district headquarters or employee’s home, whichever is fewer, to
a valid destination.
5. Employees will be reimbursed for meals only when the employee is away from the district headquarters for approved
travel. Meals will only be reimbursed for travel outside the Grape Creek/San Angelo vicinity. When fewer than three
meals are claimed, the reimbursement will be for actual cost not to exceed the following amounts and shall not exceed
$25.00 per day.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
32
GCISD APPROVED MEAL REIMBURSEMENT ALLOWANCE
Claimed
Meal
Within GCISD
UIL District
Outside GCISD
UIL District
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Meal Allowance Total
$ 6.50
$ 8.50
$10.00
$25.00
$ 7.50
$10.00
$18.50
$36.00
Please Note This Exception: If the activity is funded through federal funds, the employee must submit receipts for
all expenses and return any unused money following the trip.
Meals for a full day will be reimbursed at a rate of $25.00 per day within the UIL district Grape Creek ISD is assigned or
$36.00 per day outside the assigned UIL district.
For the purpose of meal allowance claims, the following time frames shall constitute a full day:
Departure from district headquarters prior to 6:30 a.m. and return to district headquarters after 6:30 p.m. shall be
considered a full day. All other times shall be considered partial days. To claim lunch, departure from district
headquarters must be before 11:00 a.m. and return to district headquarters after 2:30 p.m.
Meals included as a part of registration fees or a luncheon or dinner meeting shall not be reimbursed. If luncheon
or dinner meetings are a part of the registration fee or must be paid with the registration fee before attendance,
then the employee shall not charge for this meal on his/her travel voucher. Gratuity/tips will not be reimbursed.
6. Lodging will be reimbursed on the basis of actual charges, verified by a receipt attached to the travel voucher. Any
lodging costs in excess of the Texas State rate per day must have prior approval of the Superintendent or Business
Manager, and the excess amount will be distributed to an appropriate local fund. Staff members are instructed to enter
these excess charges on a separate line of the accounting information of the travel voucher, leaving the budget code to
be charged blank. The Business Office staff will determine the appropriate local budget code.
All staff members shall file with each motel or hotel a Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax Exemption Certificate (see form on
page 100) on approved overnight business trips.
7. Only charges assessed by motels and hotels for local calls can be considered as a travel expense.
8. Parking and/or taxi fares are reimbursable with proper receipts. Unless general parking is FULL, valet parking will not
be permitted. No sales tax on parking fees will be reimbursed.
9. Registration fees for conventions, etc., should be shown under “Other Travel Expenses.”
10. If any employee of the District performs a service for or in conjunction with another agency and that agency is to provide
reimbursement for travel and/or other expenses or pay an honorarium to that employee, such reimbursement will be
made payable to the Grape Creek Independent School District. The employee will be reimbursed in accordance with
the Grape Creek ISD reimbursement policy. This procedure does not apply to approved independent activities engaged
in by employees on their personal time.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
33
11. Out-of-state travel must be requested using the Out-of-State Travel Request and must be approved by the employee’s
immediate supervisor and must receive final approval of the Superintendent.
12. Travel expenses may be requested via Travel Voucher or Requisition. In either case, expenses should be requested no
later than one week prior to the regular check run of the week of travel (usually Wednesday mornings).
Note: Staff members who are out of the district on the day travel vouchers are due should inform their immediate
supervisor to prepare the travel voucher and submit it to the Business Office with a note that the person is out of the district.
Employees for whom an unsigned voucher is submitted are responsible for coming to the Business Office and signing the
voucher at the earliest possible date. Vouchers that are not signed by the processing date will not be processed for
payment. Late vouchers will be processed around the middle of the month and checks issued around the 20th of the month.
No requisitions should be completed for travel expenses. Instead, all travel expenses should be recorded on a travel
voucher. Any itineraries and registration forms must accompany vouchers. There is a five (5)-day minimum advance
notice for any check.
Instructions for Consultants
Contracting with independent consultants for staff development or other technical assistance must be approved in advance
by the Superintendent. To file consultant expenses, please follow the guidelines listed below:
1. Use the Consultant Contract form (obtained from business office). Complete all information as mentioned above for
Staff Activities and Travel Information plus add amount of consultant’s honorarium, number of days, rate, signature of
consultant, and Social Security Number.
2. All consultants will be employed via a consultant contract to include dates, services to be performed, reimbursement
information, and honorarium.
3. A copy of the contract will be attached to the travel voucher for the consultant.
Transportation for Students
1. Transportation costs for students will be paid from approved and appropriate budget functions and program intent
codes.
2. All student transportation requests must be made using the Field Trip Bus Request and must be approved in advance
by the campus principal and submitted to and approved by the Director of Transportation.
3. All student transportation must be in approved district vehicles and buses. Any exceptions to this policy must be
submitted in writing to and receive prior approval by the Superintendent.
4. Approved transportation requests must be submitted to the GCISD Director of Transportation no less than five days
prior to scheduled event.
5. It is the responsibility of the GCISD Director of Transportation to secure an approved bus driver and prepare an
approved district vehicle or bus for the scheduled student transportation and event.
6. The Director of Transportation will send written or email notification and verification of the approved scheduled
transportation request to the campus administration and student sponsor.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
34
7. Charges for use of district-owned vehicles will be made to the travel budget code of the user department as set by the
District and a driver wage per hour if driver is required. Mileage will be based on the district mileage chart (See page
36). If the department provides its own driver, no driver wage will be charged. The GCISD business office will post
expenses to the campus or department monthly from the trip requests.
8. If the district participates in an event that is over 300 miles round trip, the district may charter a bus or may provide a
driver for the event. Every attempt should be made to minimize the number of vehicles taken to each event. This may
mean combining groups or teams traveling to the same destination. Coaches with CDL certifications are required to
drive to sporting events less than 200 miles round trip. For events in excess of 200 miles round trip, the transportation
department may provide a driver. It is preferred that an attempt be made to provide two CDL-certified bus drivers on
each trip. Coaches with valid CDL’s are required to obtain bus certifications and pass Department of Transportation
physicals and drug tests.
A field trip driver evaluation form must be completed and returned to Dave Augustine in the transportation department
upon completion of the trip and if a driver was supplied through the transportation department.
Student Meal Allowances for Travel:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Total
$5.00
$7.00
$7.00
$19.00
*Please refer to Extracurricular Requisition Report Form on page 97.
Miscellaneous Travel Information
1. If an employee or consultant is accompanied by a spouse or family member not entitled to reimbursement on an
overnight trip, the lodging receipt must show the single rate (for which reimbursement will be made), and the rate must
be initialed by a hotel employee.
2. When employees or consultants share a room, each person must obtain a receipt for his/her portion and attach it to the
respective travel voucher.
3. Only business related telephone calls, local or long distance, will be paid on travel voucher for district employees.
Approved business telephone charges should be shown under “Other Travel Expenses” on the travel voucher.
Personal calls, local or long distance, made by employees will not be reimbursed. No telephone calls, local or long
distance, will be paid on travel vouchers for non-district employees or consultants.
4. When approved airline tickets are charged to the district for any type of travel (consultant or employee or any other), a
purchase order must be issued. When the ticket is received, attach a copy of the ticket to the receipt copy (pink) of the
purchase order and forward to the Business Office.
5. Do not use the travel voucher to document activities for the sake of accounting for your time. If there is no reimbursable
travel expenses connected to your activity, it must not be shown on the travel voucher.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
35
GRAPE CREEK ISD MILEAGE CHART
Destination
Miles/Round Trip
Destination
Miles/Round Trip
ABILENE
188
IRION
200
ALPINE
480
JIM NED
163
ANDREWS
297
JUNCTION
202
ANSON
240
KERMIT
410
AUSTIN
416
LAMESA
274
BALLINGER
82
LEAKEY
346
BANGS
191
LUBBOCK
376
BIG LAKE
165
MASON
245
BIG SPRING
185
MCCAMEY
262
BRADY
162
MENARD
158
BRONTE
84
MERKEL
218
BROWNWOOD
202
MERTZON
15
CARLSBAD
20
MIDLAND
210
CHRISTOVAL
65
MILES
60
CLYDE
230
MONAHANS
330
COAHOMA
208
ODESSA
282
COLEMAN
148
OZONA
184
COLLEGE STATION
618
RANKIN
220
COLORADO CITY
169
ROBERT LEE
80
CORPUS CHRISTI
714
ROSCOE
180
CRANE
285
SAN ANTONIO
428
CROSS PLAINS
366
SAN MARCOS
522
DALLAS
514
SAN SABA
265
DEL RIO
342
SEMINOLE
301
DENVER CITY
356
SNYDER
222
EARLY
218
SONORA
138
EASTLAND
315
STAMFORD
256
EDEN
98
STANTON
76
EL PASO
814
STERLING CITY
72
ELDORADO
96
SWEETWATER
162
FORSAN
160
TUSCOLA
165
FORT WORTH
454
VERIBEST
48
FREDERICKSBURG
316
WACO
438
GARDEN CITY
140
WALL
40
GOLDWAITHE
98
WATER VALLEY
34
GREENWOOD
222
WINK
380
HAWLEY
230
WINTERS
125
HOUSTON
736
WYLIE
168
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
36
EMPLOYEE RELATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Employee recognition and appreciation
Continuous efforts are made throughout the year to recognize employees who make an extra effort to contribute to the
success of the district. Employees are recognized at board meetings, in the district publications, and through special events
and activities. Recognition and appreciation activities also include an annual appreciation event.
District communications
Throughout the school year, the district publishes newsletters, brochures, fliers, calendars, news releases, and other
communication materials. These publications offer employees and the community information pertaining to school activities
and achievements. All public information pieces (print, announcements, etc.) must be approved by the district’s
communications specialist and the campus administrator or superintendent prior to release and publication. For further
information regarding district communications, contact the district communications specialist at 658-7823, ext. 1000.
Media Contacts
All contacts by the media should be referred to the district communications specialist. Appointments for interviews or
photographs will be arranged from that office. The communications specialist must approve all news items or photographs
before they are sent to the media. In crisis situations, direct all media to the communications specialist or the
superintendent. Never permit interviews with students or staff on the premises during a crisis and do not permit filming
inside the building except in the spokesperson's office or designated media room. Never disclose personal information
about any staff member or student to any representative from the media. Before any scheduled new coverage is arranged,
including pre-arranged sports coverage, the district’s administration office should be contacted at 658-7823, ext. 1000.
District Publications
Periodically, electronic newsletters or informal emails will be sent throughout the district announcing student and staff
achievement. Please send a copy of any news item to Teri Deweber, District Communications Specialist, for possible
inclusion on the district website, in district emails and submission to the San Angelo Standard-Times. If there is an
upcoming event that needs to be included in one of these publications, please notify Mrs. Deweber as soon as possible so
arrangements can be made to attend the event and gather information and photographs. To help inform of campus
activities, copies of all campus newsletters are to be sent to Mrs. Deweber's attention as soon as possible. Items may be
sent interoffice mail to the administration offices or emailed to [email protected] or faxed to 658-8719.
Complaints and grievances
Policy DGBA
In an effort to hear and resolve employee concerns or complaints in a timely manner and at the lowest administrative level
possible, the board has adopted an orderly grievance process. Employees are encouraged to discuss problems or
complaints with their supervisors or an appropriate administrator at any time.
The formal grievance process provides all employees with an opportunity to be heard up to the highest level of management
if they are dissatisfied with an administrative response. Once all administrative grievance procedures are exhausted,
employees can bring concerns or complaints to the board of trustees. The district’s policy concerning the process of
bringing complaints and grievances can be viewed online at the district's website:
http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=DGBA(LOCAL).pdf
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
37
EMPLOYEE CONDUCT AND WELFARE
STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
Policy DH
All employees are expected to work together in a cooperative spirit to serve the best interests of the district and to be
courteous to students, one another, and the public. Employees are expected to observe the following standards of conduct:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Recognize and respect the rights and property of students, parents, other employees and members of the
community
Maintain confidentiality in all matters relating to students and coworkers.
Report to work according to the assigned schedule.
Notify their immediate supervisor in advance or as early as possible in the event that they must be absent or
late. Unauthorized absences, chronic absenteeism, tardiness and failure to follow procedures for reporting
an absence may be cause for disciplinary action.
Know and comply with department and district procedures and policies.
Express concerns, complaints, or criticism through appropriate channels.
Observe all safety rules and regulations and report injuries or unsafe conditions to a supervisor immediately.
Use district time, funds, and property for authorized district business and activities only.
All district employees should perform their duties in accordance with state and federal law, district policies and procedures,
and ethical standards. Violation of policies, regulations, or guidelines may result in disciplinary action, including termination.
Alleged incidents of certain misconduct by educators, including having a criminal record, must be reported to SBEC not later
than the seventh day the superintendent first learns of the incident. See Reports to the Texas Education Agency on page 57
for additional information.
The Educators’ Code of Ethics, adopted by the State Board of Educator Certification, which all district employees must
adhere to, is reprinted below:
Texas Educators’ Code of Ethics
Purpose and Scope
The Texas educator shall comply with standard practices and ethical conduct toward students, professional colleagues,
school officials, parents, and members of the community and shall safeguard academic freedom. The Texas educator, in
maintaining the dignity of the profession, shall respect and obey the law, demonstrate personal integrity, and exemplify
honesty and good moral character. The Texas educator, in exemplifying ethical relations with colleagues, shall extend just
and equitable treatment to all members of the profession. The Texas educator, in accepting a position of public trust, shall
measure success by the progress of each student toward realization of his or her potential as an effective citizen. The
Texas educator, in fulfilling responsibilities in the community, shall cooperate with parents and others to improve the public
schools of the community. (19 TAC 247.1(b))
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
38
Enforceable Standards –
1. Professional Ethical Conduct, Practices, and Performance.
Standard 1.1. The educator shall not intentionally, knowingly or recklessly engage in deceptive practices regarding
official policies of the school district, educational institution, educator preparation program, the Texas
Education Agency, or the State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC) and its certification process.
Standard 1.2. The educator shall not knowingly misappropriate, divert, or use monies, personnel, property, or equipment
committed to his or her charge for personal gain or advantage.
Standard 1.3. The educator shall not submit fraudulent requests for reimbursement, expenses, or pay.
Standard 1.4. The educator shall not use institutional or professional privileges for personal or partisan advantage.
Standard 1.5. The educator shall neither accept nor offer gratuities, gifts, or favors that impair professional judgment or
to obtain special advantage. This standard shall not restrict the acceptance of gifts or tokens offered and
accepted openly from students, parents of students, or other persons or organizations in recognition or
appreciation of service.
Standard 1.6. The educator shall not falsify records, or direct or coerce others to do so.
Standard 1.7. The educator shall comply with state regulations, written local school board policies, and other
state and federal laws.
Standard 1.8. The educator shall apply for, accept, offer, or assign a position or a responsibility on the basis of
professional qualifications.
Standard 1.9. The educator shall not make threats of violence against school district employees, school board members,
Students, or parents of students.
Standard 1.10.The educator shall be of good moral character and be worthy to instruct or supervise the youth of
this state.
Standard 1.11.The educator shall not intentionally or knowingly misrepresent his or her employment history, criminal
History, and/or disciplinary record when applying for subsequent employment.
Standard 1.12.The educator shall refrain from the illegal use or distribution of controlled substances and/or abuse of
Prescription drugs and toxic inhalants.
Standard 1.13.The educator shall not consume alcoholic beverages on school property or during school activities when
students are present.
2. Ethical Conduct toward Professional Colleagues.
Standard 2.1. The educator shall not reveal confidential health or personnel information concerning colleagues unless
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
39
disclosure serves lawful professional purposes or is required by law.
Standard 2.2. The educator shall not harm others by knowingly making false statements about a colleague or the school
system.
Standard 2.3. The educator shall adhere to written local school board policies and state and federal laws regarding the
hiring, evaluation, and dismissal of personnel.
Standard 2.4. The educator shall not interfere with a colleague's exercise of political, professional, or citizenship rights
and responsibilities.
Standard 2.5. The educator shall not discriminate against or coerce a colleague on the basis of race, color, religion,
national origin, age, gender, disability, family status or sexual orientation.
Standard 2.6. The educator shall not use coercive means or promise of special treatment in order to influence
professional decisions or colleagues.
Standard 2.7. The educator shall not retaliate against any individual who has filed a complaint with the SBEC or who
provides information for a disciplinary investigation or proceeding under this chapter.
3. Ethical Conduct toward Students.
Standard 3.1. The educator shall not reveal confidential information concerning students unless disclosure serves lawful
professional purposes or is required by law.
Standard 3.2. The educator shall not intentionally, knowingly or recklessly treat a student or minor in a manner that
adversely affects or endangers the learning, physical health, mental health, or safety of the
student or minor.
Standard 3.3. The educator shall not intentionally, knowingly or recklessly misrepresent facts regarding a
student.
Standard 3.4. The educator shall not exclude a student from participation in a program, deny benefits to a student, or
grant an advantage to a student on the basis of race, color, gender, disability, national origin, religion,
family status or sexual orientation.
Standard 3.5. The educator shall not intentionally, knowingly or recklessly engage in physical mistreatment, neglect or
abuse of a student or minor.
Standard 3.6. The educator shall not solicit or engage in sexual conduct or a romantic relationship with a student or
minor.
Standard 3.7. The educator shall not furnish alcohol or illegal/unauthorized drugs to any person under 21 years
of age unless the educator is a parent or guardian of that child or knowingly allow any
person under 21 years of age unless the educator is a parent or guardian of that child to consume
alcohol or illegal/unauthorized drugs in the presence of the educator.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
40
Standard 3.8. The educator shall maintain appropriate professional educator-student relationships and boundaries
based on a reasonably prudent educator standard.
Standard 3.9. The educator shall refrain from inappropriate communication with a student or minor, including, but not
limited to, electronic communication such as cell phone, text messaging, email, instant messaging,
blogging, or other social network communication. Factors that may be considered in assessing whether
the communication is inappropriate include, but are not limited to:
(i)
the nature, purpose, timing, and amount of the communication;
(ii)
the subject matter of the communication;
(iii)
whether the communication was made openly or the educator attempted to conceal the
communication;
(iv)
whether the communication could be reasonably interpreted as soliciting sexual contact or a
romantic relationship;
(v)
whether the communication was sexually explicit; and
(vi)
whether the communication involved discussion(s) of the physical or sexual attractiveness or
the sexual history, activities, preferences, or fantasies of either the educator or the student.
Discrimination, Harrassment and Retaliation
Policies DH, DIA
Employees shall not engage in prohibited harassment, including sexual harassment, of other employees or students. While
acting in the course of their employment, employees shall not engage in prohibited harassment of other persons, including
board members, vendors, contractors, volunteers, or parents. A substantial charge of harassment will result in disciplinary
action.
Employees who believe they have been discriminated or retaliated against or harassed are encouraged to promptly report
such incidents to the campus principal, supervisor, or appropriate district official. If the campus principal or supervisor is the
subject of a complaint, the employee should report the complaint directly to the superintendent. A complaint against the
superintendent may be made directly to the board.
The district’s policy that includes definitions and procedures for reporting and investigating discrimination, harassment and
retaliation is located online at:
http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=DIA(LOCAL).pdf
Harassment of Students
Policies DF, DH, FFG, FFH
Sexual and other harassment of students by employees are forms of discrimination and are prohibited by law. Romantic or
inappropriate social relationship between students and district employees are prohibited. Employees who suspect a student
may have experienced prohibited harassment are obligated to report their concerns to the campus principal or other
appropriate district official. All allegations of prohibited harassment or abuse of a student by an employee or adult will be
reported to the student’s parents and promptly investigated. An employee who knows of or suspects child abuse must also
report his or her knowledge or suspicion to the appropriate authorities, as required by law. See Reporting Suspected Child
Abuse page 42 and Bullying, page 60 for additional information.
The district’s policy that includes definitions and procedures for reporting and investigating harassment of students is
located online at:
http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=FFH(LOCAL).pdf
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
41
and
http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=FFH(LEGAL).pdf
and
http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=FFG(LEGAL).pdf
Employee-to-employee
Sexual harassment of a coworker is a form of discrimination and is prohibited by law. Sexual harassment is defined as
unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct under the following conditions:
• Submission to such conduct is explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of employment.
• Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for employment decisions.
• The conduct unreasonably interferes with an individual’s work performance or creates an intimidating,
hostile, or otherwise offensive work environment.
Employees who believe that they have been sexually harassed by another employee are encouraged to come forward with
complaints. The district will promptly investigate all allegations of sexual harassment and will take prompt appropriate
disciplinary action against employees found to have engaged in conduct constituting sexual harassment of other
employees.
Reporting Suspected Child Abuse
Policies DF, DG, DH, FFG, GRA
All employees are required by state law to report any suspected child abuse or neglect to a law enforcement agency, Child
Protective Services, or appropriate state agency (e.g., state agency operating, licensing, certifying, or registering the facility)
within 48 hours of the event that led to the suspicion. Abuse is defined by SBEC and includes the following acts or
omissions:
•
•
•
•
Mental or emotional injury to a student or minor that results in an observable and material impairment in the
student’s or minor’s development, learning or psychological functioning;
Causing or permitting a student or minor to be in a situation in which the student or minor sustains a mental or
emotional injury that results in an observable and material impairment in the student’s or minor’s development,
learning or psychological functioning;
Physical injury that results in substantial harm to a student or minor, or the genuine threat of substantial harm from
physical injury to the student or minor, including any injury that is at variance with the history or explanation given
and excluding an accident or reasonable discipline; or
Sexual conduct harmful to a student’s or minor’s mental, emotional or physical welfare.
Employees are also required to make a report if they have cause to believe that an adult was a victim of abuse or neglect as
a child and they determine in good faith that the disclosure of the information is necessary to protect the health and safety of
another child or disabled person.
Reports to Child Protective Services can be made to 657-7396 or to the Texas Abuse Hotline at 800-252-5400. State law
specifies that an employee may not delegate to or rely on another person or administrator to make the report.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
42
Under state law, any person reporting or assisting in the investigation of reported child abuse or neglect is immune from
liability unless the report is made in bad faith or with malicious intent. In addition, the district is prohibited from retaliating
against an employee who, in good faith, reports child abuse or neglect or who participates in an investigation regarding an
allegation of child abuse or neglect.
An employee’s failure to make the required report may result in prosecution as a Class A misdemeanor. In addition, a
certified employee’s failure to report may result in disciplinary procedures by SBEC for a violation of the Code of Ethics and
Standard Practices for Texas Educators.
Employees who suspect that a student has been or may be abused or neglected should also report their concerns to the
campus principal. This includes students with disabilities who are no longer minors. Employees are not required to report
their concerns to the principal before making a report to the appropriate agency.
Reporting the concern to the principal does not relieve the employee of the requirement to report it to the appropriate state
agency. In addition, employees must cooperate with investigators of child abuse and neglect. Interference with a child
abuse investigation by denying an interviewer’s request to interview a student at school or requiring the presence of a
parent or school administrator against the desires of the duly authorized investigator is prohibited.
Sexual Abuse and Maltreatment of Children
The district has established a plan for addressing child sexual abuse, which may be accessed at www.grapecreekisd.net.
As an employee, it is important for you to be aware of warning signs that could indicate a child may have been or is being
sexually abused. Sexual abuse in the Texas Family Code is defined as any sexual conduct harmful to a child’s mental,
emotional, or physical welfare as well as a failure to make a reasonable effort to prevent sexual conduct with a child.
Anyone who suspects that a child has been or may be abused or neglected has a legal responsibility under state law for
reporting the suspected abuse or neglect to law enforcement or to Child Protective Services (CPS).
Employees are required to follow the procedures described above in Reporting Suspected Child Abuse.
Technology Resources
Policy CQ
The district’s technology resources, including its network access to the Internet, are primarily for administrative and
instructional purposes. Limited personal use is permitted if the use:
• Imposes no tangible cost to the district
• Does not unduly burden the district’s computer or network resources
• Has no adverse effect on job performance or on a student’s academic performance
Electronic mail transmissions and other use of technology resources are not confidential and can be monitored at any time
to ensure appropriate use.
Employees who are authorized to use the systems are required to abide by the provisions of the district’s acceptable use
policy and administrative procedures. Failure to do so can result in suspension of access or termination of privileges and
may lead to disciplinary action. Employees with questions about computer use and data management can contact their
supervisor or the technology director.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
43
PERSONAL USE OF ELECTRONIC MEDIA
Policy CQ, DH
Electronic media includes all forms of social media, such as text messaging, instant messaging, electronic mail (e-mail),
Web logs (blogs), electronic forums (chat rooms), video-sharing Web sites (e.g. YouTube), editorial comments posted on
the Internet, and social network sites (e.g., Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, LinkedIn). Electronic media also includes all forms
of telecommunication such as landlines, cell phones, and Web-based applications.
As role models for the district’s students, employees are responsible for their public conduct even when they are not acting
as district employees. Employees will be held to the same professional standards in their public use of electronic media as
they are for any other public conduct. If an employee’s use of electronic media interferes with the employee’s ability to
effectively perform his or her job duties, the employee is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of
employment. If an employee wishes to use a social network site or similar media for personal purposes, the employee is
responsible for the content on the employee’s page, including content added by the employee, the employee’s friends, or
members of the public who can access the employee’s page, and for Web links on the employee’s page. The employee is
also responsible for maintaining privacy settings appropriate to the content.
An employee who uses electronic media for personal purposes shall observe the following:
• The employee may not set up or update the employee’s personal social network page(s) using the district’s
computers, network, or equipment.
• The employee shall not use the district’s logo or other copyrighted material of the district without express, written
consent.
• The employee continues to be subject to applicable state and federal laws, local policies, administrative regulations,
and the Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators, even when communicating regarding personal
and private matters, regardless of whether the employee is using private or public equipment, on or off campus.
These restrictions include:
o Confidentiality of student records. [See Policy FL]
o Confidentiality of health or personnel information concerning colleagues, unless disclosure serves lawful
professional purposes or is required by law. [See Policy DH (EXHIBIT)]
o Confidentiality of district records, including educator evaluations and private e-mail addresses. [See Policy
GBA]
o Copyright law [See Policy CY]
o Prohibition against harming others by knowingly making false statements about a colleague or the school
system. [See Policy DH (EXHIBIT)]
See Use of Electronic Media with Students below for regulations on employee communication with students through
electronic media.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
44
USE OF ELECTRONIC MEDIA WITH STUDENTS
Policy DH
A certified or license employee, or any other employee designated in writing by the superintendent or a campus principal,
may communicate through electronic media with students who are currently enrolled in the district. The employee must
comply with the provisions outlined below. All other employees are prohibited from communicating with students who are
enrolled in the district through electronic media.
An employee is not subject to these provisions to the extent the employee has a social or family relationship with a student.
For example, an employee may have a relationship with a niece or nephew, a student who is the child of an adult friend, a
student who is a friend of the employee’s child, or a member or participant in the same civic, social, recreational or religious
organization.
The following definitions apply for the use of electronic media with students:
• Electronic media includes all forms of social media, such as text messaging, instant messaging, electronic mail (email), Web logs (blogs), electronic forums (chat rooms), video-sharing Web sites (e.g., YouTube), editorial
comments posted on the Internet, and social network sites (e.g., Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, LinkedIn). Electronic
media also includes all forms of telecommunication such as landlines, cell phones and Web-based applications.
• Communicate means to convey information and includes a one-way communication as well as a dialogue between
two or more people. A public communication by an employee that is not targeted at students (e.g., a posting on the
employee’s personal social network page or a blog) is not a communication: however, the employee may be
subject to district regulations on personal electronic communications. See Personal Use of Electronic Media,
above. Unsolicited contact from a student through electronic means is not a communication.
• Certified or licensed employee means a person employed in a position requiring SBEC certification or a professional
license, and whose job duties may require the employee to communicate electronically with students. The term
includes classroom teachers, counselors, principals, librarians, paraprofessionals, nurses, educational
diagnosticians, licensed therapists and athletic trainers.
An employee who uses electronic media to communicate with students shall observe the following:
• The employee may use any form of electronic media except text messaging. Only a teacher, trainer, or other
employee who has an extracurricular duty may use text messaging and then only to communicate with students
who participate in the extracurricular activity over which the employee has responsibility.
• The employee shall limit communications to matters within the scope of the employee’s professional responsibilities
(e.g., for classroom teachers, matters relating to class work, homework, and tests; for an employee with an
extracurricular duty, matters relating to the extracurricular activity).
• The employee is prohibited from knowingly communicating with students through a personal social network page;
the employee must create a separate social network page (“professional page”) for the purpose of communicating
with students. The employee must enable administration and parents to access the employee’s professional page.
• The employee shall not communicate directly with any student between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. An
employee may, however, make public posts to a social network site, blog, or similar application at any time.
• The employee does not have a right to privacy with respect to communications with students and parents.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
45
• The employee continues to be subject to applicable state and federal laws, local policies, administrative regulations,
and the Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators including:
o Compliance with the Public Information Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA),
including retention and confidentiality of student records. [See Policies CPC and FL]
o Copyright law [Policy CY]
o Prohibitions against soliciting or engaging in sexual conduct or a romantic relationship with a student. [See
Policy DF]
• Upon request from administration, an employee will provide the phone number(s), social network site(s), or other
information regarding the method(s) of electronic media the employee uses to communicate with any one or more
currently-enrolled students.
• Upon written request from a parent or student, the employee shall discontinue communicating with the student
through e-mail, text messaging, instant messaging or any other form of one-to-one communication.
An employee may request an exception from one or more of the limitations above by submitting a written request to his or
her immediate supervisor.
EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY AND ACCEPTABLE USE
We are steadily acquiring computers for school use and access to other instructional and research resources through
connections to the Internet and the World Wide Web. These electronic instructional resources are for use at school and for
school-related purposes. Before you are permitted to receive a User Identification and password to use school computers,
must sign a User Agreement that explains acceptable and unacceptable use of school educational technology.
The following kinds of use of the school’s equipment or network are classified as unacceptable under our policy and the
User Agreement:
1. Unauthorized use of copyrighted material, including violating District software licensing agreements or
installing any personal software on district equipment without approval of the Technology Coordinator.
2. Posting or distributing threatening, racist, harassing, excessively violent, or obscene material.
3. Personal political use to advocate for or against a position or a candidate, office-holder, political party, or
political position. Research or electronic communications regarding political issues or candidates shall not be
a violation when the activity is to fulfill an assignment for class credit.
4. Participating in chat rooms or instant messaging other than those sponsored and overseen by the District.
5. Tampering with anyone else’s computer, files, or e-mail.
6. “Hacking” i.e., attempting unauthorized access to any computer whether within the district’s network or
outside it.
7. Any use that would be unlawful under state or federal law.
8. Unauthorized disclosure, use, or distribution of personal identification information regarding students or
employees.
9. Forgery of messages or sending unsolicited junk e-mail chain messages.
10. Use that violates the student code of conduct.
11. Use related to commercial activities or for commercial gain.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
46
12. Advertisement for purchase or sale of a product.
13. Streaming (i.e. establishing an open connection with a site such as Audio Galaxy or Napster).
INTERNET ACCESS ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
Internet conditions for use:
1.
Acceptable Use: The use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a
cancellation of those privileges. Appropriate use includes research for class projects and communicating with fellow
students in school and throughout the world.
The system administrators and school technology committee will determine what inappropriate use is and their
decision is final. The faculty and staff of Grape Creek ISD upon the recommendation of the system administrators
and technology committee may request the administration to deny, revoke, or suspend specific user accounts.
2.
Unlawful Transmissions: Transmission of any material in violation of any federal, state, district, of school
regulation is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material, threatening or obscene material
or material protected by trade secret. Use for commercial activities, product advertisements or political lobbying is
also prohibited.
3.
Netiquette: You are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include, but
are not limited to, the following:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
4.
Be polite. Do not get abusive in your messages to others.
Use appropriate language. Do not swear, use vulgarities or any other inappropriate language. Illegal
activities are strictly forbidden.
Do not reveal your personal user ID, password, address or phone number (including that of other students
or colleagues) to anyone. You can be implicated for the actions of others if your user ID, password, etc. is
used while infractions are committed. Intentionally providing computer access by loaning or sharing your
user ID to another person is prohibited.
Note that electronic mail (E-mail) is not guaranteed to be private. People who operate the system do
have access to all mail. All files passing through our network are subject to be viewed or scanned at any
time by an administrator. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activities may be reported to legal
authorities.
Do not use the network in such a way that you would disrupt the use of the network by other users and/or
waste network resources.
All communications and information accessible via the network should be assumed to be private property.
Do not access or change others’ files or computer accounts.
Warranties: Grape Creek ISD makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service
provided by and will not be responsible for any damages you suffer. This includes loss of data resulting from
delays, nondeliveries, misdeliveries, or service interruptions caused by its own negligence or your errors or
omissions. Grape Creek ISD specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information
obtained through its services.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
47
5.
Security: Security on any computer system is a high priority, especially when the system involves many users. If
you feel you can identify a security problem on the Internet, you must notify a system administrator, principal, or
teacher. Do not demonstrate the problem to other users. Attempts to login to the Internet as system administrator
will result in cancellation of user privileges. Any user identified as a security risk or having a history of problems
with other computer systems may be denied access to the Internet.
6.
Vandalism: Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to
harm or destroy data of another user, Internet, or any of the above listed agencies or other networks that are
connected to the Internet backbone. This includes, but not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses.
7.
Updating Your User Information: Internet may occasionally require new registration and account information
from you to continue the service. You must notify the administrators of any changes in your account information
(address, password, etc.). Currently, there are no user fees for this service.
8.
Exception of Terms and Conditions: All terms and conditions as stated in this document are applicable to the
Grape Creek ISD users. These terms and conditions reflect the entire agreement of the parties and supersede all
prior oral or written agreements and understanding of the parties.
Criminal history background checks
Policy DBAA
Employees may be subject to a review of their criminal history record information at any time during employment. National
criminal history checks based on an individual’s fingerprints, photo, and other identification will be conducted on certain
employees and entered into the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Clearinghouse. This database provides the
district and SBEC with access to an employee’s current national criminal history and updates to the employee’s subsequent
criminal history.
Employee arrests and convictions
Policy DH
An employee must notify his or her principal or immediate supervisor within three calendar days of any arrest, indictment,
conviction, no contest or guilty plea, or other adjudication of any felony, and any of the other offenses listed below:
• Crimes involving school property or funds
• Crimes involving attempt by fraudulent or unauthorized means to obtain or alter any certificate or permit that would
entitle any person to hold or obtain a position as an educator
• Crimes that occur wholly or in part of school property or at a school-sponsored activity
• Crimes involving moral turpitude
Moral turpitude includes the following:
• Dishonesty
• Fraud
• Deceit
• Theft
• Misrepresentation
• Deliberate violence
• Base, vile, or depraved acts that are intended to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of the actor
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
48
• Crimes involving any felony possession or conspiracy to possess, or any misdemeanor or felony transfer, sale,
distribution, or conspiracy to transfer, sell or distribute any controlled substance.
• Felonies involving driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol
• Acts constituting abuse or neglect under the SBEC rules
If an educator is arrested or criminally charged, the superintendent is also required to report the educator’s criminal history
to the Division of Investigations at TEA.
Alcohol and Drug-abuse prevention
Policies DH, DI
Grape Creek ISD is committed to maintaining an alcohol- and drug-free environment and will not tolerate the use of alcohol
and illegal drugs in the workplace and at school-related or school-sanctioned activities on or off school property. Employees
who use or are under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs as defined by the Texas Controlled Substances Act during
working hours may be dismissed. The district’s policies regarding drug use can be viewed in their entirety at the district
website:
http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=DH(LOCAL).pdf
or
http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=DI(LEGAL).pdf
or
http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=DI(LOCAL).pdf
Tobacco use
Policies DH, GKA, FNCD
State law prohibits smoking or using tobacco products on all district-owned property and at school-related or schoolsanctioned activities, on or off campus. This includes all buildings, playground areas, parking facilities, and facilities used for
athletics and other activities. Drivers of district-owned vehicles are prohibited from smoking while inside the vehicle. Notices
stating that smoking is prohibited by law and punishable by a fine are displayed in prominent places in all school buildings.
Fraud and financial impropriety
Policy CAA
All employees should act with integrity and diligence in duties involving the district’s financial resources. The district
prohibits fraud and financial impropriety, as defined below. Fraud and financial impropriety includes the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Forgery or unauthorized alteration of any document or account belonging to the district
Forgery or unauthorized alteration of a check, bank draft, or any other financial document
Misappropriation of funds, securities, supplies, or other district assets, including employee time
Impropriety in the handling of money or reporting of district financial transactions
Profiteering as a result of insider knowledge of district information or activities
Unauthorized disclosure of confidential or proprietary information to outside parties
Unauthorized disclosure of investment activities engaged in or contemplated by the district
Accepting or seeking anything of material value from contractors, vendors, or other persons providing services or
materials to the district
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
49
•
•
•
•
Destroying, removing, or inappropriately using records, furniture, fixtures, or equipment
Failing to provide financial records required by state or local entities
Failure to disclose conflicts of interest as required by policy
Any other dishonest act regarding the finances of the district
Conflict of interest
Policies BBFA, DBD
Employees are required to disclose to their supervisor any situation that creates a potential conflict of interest with proper
discharge of assigned duties and responsibilities or creates a potential conflict of interest with the best interests of the
district. This includes the following:
•
•
•
•
A personal financial interest
A business interest
Any other obligation or relationship
Non-school employment
Gifts and favors
Policy DBD
Employees may not accept gift or favors that could influence, or be construed to influence, the employee’s discharge of
assigned duties. The acceptance of a gift, favor, or service by an administrator or teacher that might reasonably tend to
influence the selection of textbooks, electronic textbooks, instructional materials or technological equipment may result in
prosecution of a Class B misdemeanor offense. This does not include staff development, teacher training, or instructional
materials, such as maps or worksheets, that convey information to students or contribute to the learning process.
Copyrighted materials
Policy EFE
Employees are expected to comply with the provisions of federal copyright law relating to the unauthorized use,
reproduction, distribution, performance, or display of copyrighted materials (i.e., printed material, videos, computer data and
programs, etc.). Electronic media, including motion pictures and other audiovisual works, are to be used in the classroom for
instructional purposes only. Duplication or backup of computer programs and data must be made within the provisions of
the purchase agreement.
Associations and political activities
Policy DGA
The district will not directly or indirectly discourage employees from participating in political affairs or required any employee
to join any group, club, committee, organization, or association. Employees may join or refuse to join any professional
association or organization.
An individual’s employment will not be affected by membership or a decision not to be a member of any employee
organization that exists for the purpose of dealing with employers concerning grievances, labor disputes, wages, rates of
pay, hours of employment, or conditions of work.
Use of district resources, including work time, for political activities is prohibited.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
50
Charitable Contributions
Policy DG
The Board or any employee may not directly or indirectly require or coerce an employee to make a contribution to a
charitable organization or in response to a fund-raiser. Employees cannot be required to attend a meeting called for the
purpose of soliciting charitable contributions. In addition, the Board or any employee may not directly or indirectly require or
coerce an employee to refrain from making a contribution to a charitable organization or in response to a fund-raiser or
attending a meeting called for the purpose of soliciting charitable contributions.
Safety
Policy CK Series
The district has developed and promotes a comprehensive program to ensure the safety of its employees, students, and
visitors. The safety program includes guidelines and procedures for responding to emergencies and activities to help reduce
the frequency of accidents and injuries. To prevent or minimize injuries to employees, coworkers, and students and to
protect and conserve district equipment, employees must comply with the following requirements:
•
•
•
•
Observe all safety rules
Keep work areas clean and orderly at all times
Immediately report all accidents to their supervisor
Operate only equipment or machines for which they have training and authorization
Employees with questions or concerns relating to safety programs and issues can contact the district superintendent.
Possession of firearms and weapons
Policies FNCG, GKA
Employees, visitors, and students are prohibited from bringing firearms, knives, clubs or other prohibited weapons onto
school premises (i.e., building or portion of a building) or any grounds or building where a school-sponsored activity takes
place. To ensure the safety of all persons, employees who observe or suspect a violation of the district’s weapons policy
should report it to their supervisors or immediately call the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Department at 655-8111.
Visitors in the workplace
Policy GKC
All visitors are expected to enter any district facility through the main entrance, go to the main office and sign in and pick up
and wear a visitor’s badge above the waist. Authorized visitors will receive directions or be escorted to their destination.
Employees who observe an unauthorized individual on the district premises should immediately direct him or her to the
building office or contact the administrator in charge.
Asbestos management plan
Policy CKA
The district is committed to providing a safe environment for employees. An accredited management planner has developed
an asbestos management plan for each piece of district property. A copy of the district’s management plan is kept in the
administration office and is available for inspection during normal business hours.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
51
Pest control treatment
Policies DI, CLB
Employees are prohibited from applying any pesticide or herbicide without appropriate training and prior approval of the
integrated pest management (IPM) coordinator. Any application of pesticide or herbicide must be done in a manner
prescribed by law and the district’s integrated pest management program.
Grape Creek ISD will notify school staff and students of upcoming pesticide treatments by posting at least 48 hours before
treatment. Exceptions to this posting will only be for incidental use where the possibility of danger exists to students or staff,
such as bees, wasps, fire ants, and etc…
In addition, individual employees may request in writing to be notified of pesticide applications. An employee who requests
individualized notice will be notified by telephone, written or electronic means. Pest control information sheets are available
from the district’s maintenance department upon request.
Bad weather closing
The district may close schools because of bad weather or emergency conditions. When such conditions exist, the
superintendent will make the official decision concerning the closing of the district’s facilities. When it becomes necessary to
open late or to release students early, or to cancel school, district officials will notify the following radio and television
stations:
KGKL Radio, KLIT Radio, KIXY Radio, KWFR Radio, KLST-TV
Emergencies
Policy CKC, CKD
All employees should be familiar with the evacuation diagrams posted in their work areas and with the District School Safety
and Emergency Resource Manual and Emergency Response Checklist. Fire, tornado, and other emergency drills will be
conducted to familiarize employees and students with safety and evacuation procedures. Each campus is equipped with an
automatic external defibrillator. Fire extinguishers are located throughout all district buildings. Employees should know the
location of the extinguishers nearest their place of work and how to use them. Please consult your District School Safety
and Emergency Resource Manual and Emergency Response Checklist for additional information.
Classroom Emergencies
If there is ever a situation in the classroom in which the teacher needs adult assistance immediately, the teacher should:
Elementary and Middle School: Send a student to the office with the red whistle. Students need not be given any
verbal requests to deliver – only the whistle. Students should be instructed that if the secretary is not there, they
should give the whistle to the nearest adult.
High School: Send a student to the office for help. In case of a medical emergency, the student should contact the
school nurse first, and then go to the office for help. Send a second student to get the nearest adult employee for
immediate assistance.
Fire/Tornado
Fire Evacuation: 3 Bells or Siren or Public Address System Alert
All persons exit the building quickly and safely, without running or crowding to the designated areas.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
52
After checking roll, teacher/aides send the class red whistle to the designated person standing in the
designated area.
All Clear:
1 Bell or Siren
Return to your original location.
Tornado:
Continuous Bell or Siren
Go to designated area in the building away from windows. Assume the crouched position and cover your
head.
All Clear:
1 Bell or Siren
Purchasing procedures
Policy CH
All requests for purchases must be submitted in accordance with established requisition procedures. No purchases,
charges, or commitments to buy goods or services for the district can be made without proper authorization. The district will
not reimburse employees or assume responsibility for purchases made without authorization. Employees are not permitted
to purchase supplies or equipment for personal use through the district’s business office. Contact the business office for
additional information on purchasing procedures.
Requisition Form/Purchase Order Procedure:
Requisitions to purchase merchandise for the classroom, library, office, etc., should be submitted to the campus principal or
immediate supervisor using the Requisition Form (See page 95). Once approved, follow these procedures:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Teachers/staff members should fill out the paper Requisition Form (See page 95) and submit the form to their campus
secretary or team leader
Team leaders/authorized persons will complete the Requisition request in RSCCC.
The campus principal or department director will approve requisitions.
After the principal or department director approves the requisition, the business office will review it and once approved, a
purchase order (P.O.) will be produced, printed and returned to the campus or department. (See page 96)
After processing, a copy of the P.O. will be returned to the campus. The campus secretary should maintain a copy in a
notebook and make another copy to give to the employee who requested the merchandise.
Each campus is responsible for ordering their merchandise by mailing or faxing their purchase orders to vendors.
After the merchandise has been received satisfactorily and checked in by the employee, he/she is to sign the copy of the
purchase order in the space marked "Received by", attach all receipts and invoices to the signed PINK copy and return
all to the campus or department secretary. By doing this, he/she is authorizing payment of the merchandise.
The campus secretary will immediately forward the signed PINK copy of the purchase order and all attached
receipts/invoices to the business office to be processed for payment.
Purchases made utilizing local RFP vendors using the following designation system and priority rank:
Preferred
Secondary
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
Order from awardees except qualified by quotes (to include preferred
vendor(s) ), out-of-stock or sole source
Order from awardees if the interests of the district cannot be met
with primary vendors.
53
Approved
Orders may be placed with awardee as qualifed by quotes. (Total of
three to include primary and secondary vendors.)
Requisitions for all other items or services must have a properly completed Quote Sheet attached, to include at least three
preferred, secondary or approved vendors.
If the purchase order is for a unique product or service that is not available elsewhere, please complete the requisition with
the words “Sole Source” entered both in the opening screen “Bid No.” field and under the “Comments” and “Vendor Notes”
tabs. A file copy of an official Sole Source letter must be attached in place of a quote sheet for such requisitions.
Requisitions for goods and services from approved purchasing consortium vendors (list of approved consortiums available
from the business office) do not require requestors to obtain quotes. These shall be treated the same as primary local RFP
vendors.
It is important that these procedures be followed in a timely manner to avoid confusion and delays in processing orders. If
proper requisitions procedures are not followed, the employee may be personally held responsible for payment.
Inventory procedures
Teachers/staff will receive an inventory sheet at the beginning of the school year. All personnel should complete it correctly
and have it back to the business office by the specified date. At the end of the school year, teachers and staff will receive
another inventory sheet to be completed and returned to the business office. If there are any discrepancies between the
beginning and ending inventory, the individual staff member will need to get the discrepancy cleared before the last workday
of school. Note: No paychecks will be distributed until your inventory is cleared by the business office.
All personnel are responsible for inventory. If you have an item which you want moved out of or into your room/office, you
need to fill out a transfer form and have it approved by the business office. You are no longer responsible for any item
transferred out of your room/office.
There are inventory tags on all inventoried items. If an item has an inventory tag, list it on your inventory sheet. Should an
item not have a tag, do not list it on the sheet. (Exceptions: student desks: count all student desks and chairs and put a
total on your inventory sheet. Example: desk/chair combinations – 5; desks – 3; chairs – 3.)
Fiscal Responsibility – Record Keeping
Employees should document all financial transactions thoroughly. Principals are responsible for monitoring and ensuring
that:
• All fundraiser activities are approved as per policies FJ and GE.
• All fundraiser transactions and collections are properly recorded on district receipt stock.
• All fundraiser or other deposits are secured in campus vaults or deposited daily in the business office.
• All expenditures from Student Activity Accounts (Club Accounts) are properly authorized by student representatives
and campus principal.
• All purchasing activities conducted from Activity/Club Accounts adhere to district purchasing practices, including use
of applicable approved vendors and documentation of necessary quotes.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
54
Name and address changes
It is important that employment records be kept up to date. Employees must notify the administration office at 658-7823, ext.
1003 if there are any changes or corrections to their name, home address, home telephone number, contact telephone
number, marital status, emergency contact, or beneficiary. Forms to process a change in personal information can be
obtained from the administration office.
Personnel records
Policy GBA
Most district records, including personnel records, are public information and must be released upon request. A limited
amount of personal information may be withheld. Employees may choose to allow or not allow public access to or have the
following information included in a staff directory or released to anyone who makes a formal request through the Open
Records Act by submitting a written request to the administration offices. New or terminating employees have 14 days after
hire or termination to submit a request. Otherwise, personal information will be released to the public.
• Address
• Phone number, including personal cell phone number
• Emergency contact information
• Information that reveals whether they have family members
• Personal e-mail address
The choice to not allow public access to this information may be made at any time by submitting a written request to the
human resources office. For your convenience a form has been included in this handbook on page 8.
Building use
Policies DGA and GKD
Campus principals are responsible for scheduling the use of facilities after school hours. Contact the campus principal to
request to use school facilities and to obtain information on the fees charged. Campus principals must notify the
superintendent's administrative assistant concerning scheduled events to determine fees based on district policy.
Maintenance Requests
Employees who require assistance from maintenance must gain approval from their campus administrator or department
supervisor by emailing them a completed maintenance request form. Once approved, the form can be forwarded to the
maintenance director in a manner established for each campus or department.
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
Resignations
Policy DFE
Contract employees - Contract employees may resign their position without penalty at the end of any school year if written
notice is received 45 days before the first day of instruction of the following school year. A written notice of resignation
should be submitted to the campus principal. Contract employees may resign at any other time only with the approval of the
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
55
superintendent or the board of trustees. Resignation without consent may result in disciplinary action by the State Board for
Educator Certification (SBEC).
The superintendent will notify SBEC when an employee resigns and reasonable evidence exists to indicate that the
employee has engaged in any of the acts listed in Reports to the Texas Education Agency on page 57.
Employee Agreements - Any professional employee or other employee who is not eligible for a probationary contract or a
term contract under policies DCA or DCB and with whom the Board desires to establish a mutually binding agreement for a
specific period of time shall be employed under an employee agreement. An employee may resign during the term of an
employment agreement by providing at least 30 days notice to the Superintendent. Release during the term of an
employment agreement under any other circumstances shall require Board approval and ordinarily shall not be approved
unless a suitable replacement can be found. An employee who has returned a signed employment agreement may resign
before the beginning date of the agreement by providing a written resignation to the Superintendent at least 45 days before
the beginning date specified in the agreement.
Non-contract employees - Non-contract employees may resign their positions at any time. A written notice of resignation
should be submitted to the employee’s supervisor at least two weeks prior to the effective date. Employees are encouraged
to include the reasons for leaving in the letter of resignation but are not required to do so.
Dismissal or nonrenewal of contract employees
Policies DFAA, DFAB, DFBA, DFBB, DFCA, DFD, DFF, DFFA, DFFB, DFFC
Employees on probationary, term, and continuing contracts can be dismissed during the school year or non-renewed at the
end of the year according to the procedures outlined in district policies. Employees on probationary or term contracts can be
nonrenewed at the end of the contract term. Contract employees dismissed during the school year, suspended without pay,
or subject to a reduction in force are entitled to receive notice of the recommended action, an explanation of the charges
against them, and an opportunity for a hearing. The time lines and procedures to be followed when a suspension,
termination, or non-renewal occurs will be provided when a written notice is given to an employee. Advance notification
requirements do not apply when a contract employee is dismissed for failing to obtain or maintain appropriate certification or
whose certification is revoked for misconduct. Information on the time lines and procedures can be found in the DF series
policies that are provided to employees or in the policy manuals located on the district’s website at www.grapecreekisd.net.
Dismissal of noncontract employees
Policy DCD
Noncontract employees are employed at will and may be dismissed without notice, a description of the reasons for
dismissal, or a hearing. It is unlawful for the district to dismiss any employee for reasons of race, religion, gender, national
origin, age, disability, military status, genetic information, any other basis protected by law, or in retaliation for the exercise
of certain protected legal rights. Noncontract employees who are dismissed have the right to grieve the termination. The
dismissed employee must follow the district process outlined in this handbook when pursuing the grievance. (See
Complaints and Grievances, page 37.)
Dismissal of employees under employment agreements
Policy DCE
The Board may dismiss an employee during the term of an employment agreement by providing written notice to the
employee that the agreement shall terminate in 30 days. The Board may dismiss an employee during the term of the
agreement without a 30-day notice, by providing notice and a hearing, as described in this policy. The Superintendent,
after consulting with the Board, shall give the employee 15 days written notice of the Board’s intention to terminate the
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
56
agreement, including a statement of the cause for the action and an explanation of the District’s evidence, in enough detail
for the employee to show any errors that may exist. The employee may request a hearing before the Board by making a
written request to the Superintendent within ten days of receipt of the notice. The Board shall conduct a requested hearing
within 15 days of receiving the request.
Exit interviews and procedures
Policies DC and CY
Exit interviews will be scheduled for all employees leaving the district. Information on the continuation of benefits, release of
information, and procedures for requesting references will be provided at this time. Separating employees are asked to
provide the district with a forwarding address and phone number and complete an Exit Interview Form (See form, page 82)
that provides the district with feedback on his or her employment experience.
All district keys, books, property including intellectual property, and equipment must be returned upon separation from
employment. The district may withhold the cost of any unreturned items from the final paycheck.
Reports to Texas Education Agency
Policy DF
The dismissal or resignation of a certified employee will be reported to the Division of Investigations at TEA whenever the
termination is based on a determination that the employee was involved in any of the following:
• Any form of sexual or physical abuse of a minor or any other illegal conduct with a student or a minor
• Soliciting or engaging in sexual conduct or a romantic relationship with a student or minor
• The possession, transfer, sale, or distribution of a controlled substance
• The illegal transfer, appropriation, or expenditure of school property or funds
• An attempt by fraudulent or unauthorized means to obtain or alter any certificate or permit for the purpose of
promotion or additional compensation
• Committing a criminal offense or any part of a criminal offense on district property or at a school-sponsored
event
The superintendent is also required to notify TEA when a certified employee resigns and there is reasonable evidence that
would support a recommendation to terminate employment because of the conduct listed above.
The reporting requirements above are in addition to the superintendent’s ongoing duty to notify TEA when a certified
employee has a reported criminal history. “Reported criminal history” means any formal criminal justice system charges and
dispositions including arrests, detentions, indictments, criminal information, convictions, deferred adjudications, and
probations in any state or federal jurisdiction.
Reports concerning court-ordered withholding
The district is required to report the termination of employees that are under court order or writ of withholding for child
support or spousal maintenance to the court and the individual receiving the support (Texas Family Code 8.210, 158.211).
Notice of the following must be sent to the court and support recipient:
• Termination of employment not later than the seventh day after the date of termination
• Employee’s last known address
• Name and address of the employee’s new employer, if known
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
57
STUDENT ISSUES
Equal educational opportunities
Policies FB and FFH
The Grape Creek ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, or disability in
providing education services, activities, and programs, including vocational programs, in accordance with Title VI of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
of 1973, as amended.
Questions or concerns about discrimination of students based on any of the reasons listed above should be directed to the
district superintendent
Student records
Policy FL
Student records are confidential and are protected from unauthorized inspection or use. Employees should take precautions
to maintain the confidentiality of all student records.
The following people are the only people who have general access to a student’s records:
• Parents: Married, separated, or divorced unless parental rights have been legally terminated and the school
has been given a copy of the court order terminating parental rights
• The student: The rights of parents transfer to a student who turns 18 or is enrolled in an institution of postsecondary education. A district is not prohibited from granting the student access to the student’s records
before this time.
• School officials with legitimate educational interests
Materials that are not considered educational records and do not have to be made available to a parent or student include
teachers’ personal notes on a student that are shared only with a substitute teacher.
The student handbook provides parents and students with detailed information on student records. Parents or students who
want to review student records should be directed to the campus principal for assistance.
Parent and student complaints
Policy FNG
In an effort to hear and resolve parent and student complaints in a timely manner and at the lowest administrative level
possible, the board has adopted orderly processes for handing complaints on different issues. Any campus office or the
superintendent’s office can provide parents and students with information on filing a complaint.
Parents are encouraged to discuss problems or complaints with the teachers or the appropriate administrator at any time.
Parents and students with complaints that cannot be resolved should be directed to the campus principal. The formal
complaint process provides parents and students with an opportunity to be heard up to the highest level of management if
they are dissatisfied with a principal’s response. Once all administrative complaint procedures are exhausted, parents and
students can bring complaints to the board of trustees.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
58
Administering medication to students
Policy FFAC
Only designated employees can administer prescription medication, nonprescription medication, and herbal or dietary
supplements to students. A student who must take medicine during the school day must bring a written request from his or
her parent and the medicine, in its original, properly labeled container. FDA approved, nonprescription medication can be
administered by designated school personnel with written parental request. Students that require asthma medications may
self-administer with proper approval and required documentation of their ability to self-administer. Contact the principal or
school nurse for information on procedures that must be followed when administering medication to students.
Dietary supplements
Policies DH, FFAC
District employees are prohibited by state law from knowingly selling, marketing, or distributing a dietary supplement that
contains performance-enhancing compounds to a student with whom the employee has contact as part of his or her school
district duties. In addition, employees may not knowingly endorse or suggest the ingestion, intranasal application, or
inhalation of a performance-enhancing dietary supplement to any student.
Psychotropic drugs
Policy FFAC
A psychotropic drug is a substance used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a disease or as a component of a
medication. It is intended to have an altering effect on perception, emotion, or behavior and is commonly described as a
mood- or behavior-altering substance.
District employees are prohibited by state law from doing the following:
•
•
•
Recommending that a student use a psychotropic drug
Suggesting a particular diagnosis
Excluding from class or school-related activity a student whose parent refuses to consent to a psychiatric
evaluation or to authorize the administration of a psychotropic drug to a student
Student Conduct and Discipline
Policies in the FN series and FO series
Students are expected to follow the campus rules, classroom rules, and rules listed in the Student Code of Conduct and
Student Handbook. Teachers and administrators are responsible for taking disciplinary action based on a range of discipline
management strategies that have been adopted by the district. Other employees that have concerns about a particular
student’s conduct should contact the classroom teacher or campus principal.
Teachers must file a written report with the principal or another appropriate administrator when they have knowledge that a
student has violated the Student Code of Conduct. A copy of this report will be sent by the principal or administrator to the
student’s parents within 24 hours. Local and legal policies regarding student discipline can be found online at:
http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=FN(LOCAL).pdf
and
http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=FO(LEGAL).pdf
and
http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=FO(LOCAL).pdf
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
59
Student Attendance
Policy FEB
Teachers and staff should be familiar with the district’s policies and procedures for attendance accounting. These
procedures require minor students to have parental consent before they are allowed to leave campus. When absent from
school, the student, upon returning to school, must bring a note signed by the parent that describes the reason for the
absence. These requirements are addressed in campus training and in the student handbook. Contact the campus
principal for additional information.
Bullying
Policy FFI
All employees are required to report student complaints of bullying to their campus administrator. The district’s policy that
includes definitions and procedures for reporting and investigating bullying of students is found online at:
http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=FFI(LOCAL).pdf
Note:
This policy addresses bullying of District students. For provisions regarding discrimination,
harassment, and retaliation involving District students, see FFH. For reporting requirements related
to child abuse and neglect, see FFG.
http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=FFH(LEGAL).pdf
and
http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=FFH(LOCAL).pdf
and
http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=FFG(LEGAL).pdf
Hazing
Policy FNCC
Students must have prior approval from the principal or designee for any type of “initiation rites” of a school club or
organization. While most initiation rites are permissible, engaging in or permitting “hazing” is a criminal offense. Any
teacher, administrator, or employee who observes a student engaged in any form of hazing, who has reason to know or
suspect that a student intends to engage in hazing, or has engaged in hazing must report that fact or suspicion to the
designated campus discipline person.
Cafeteria
Breakfast and lunch are served daily and may be purchased at the prices listed below. For free and reduced meal prices,
an application must be completed and submitted to the superintendent’s office.
Breakfast (daily)
Lunch (daily)
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
STUDENT MEAL PRICES
Primary/Intermediate
Middle and High Schools
Reduced/Paid in Full
Reduced/Paid in Full
Complimentary
$.30 / $1.00
$.40 / $1.95
$.40 / $2.20
60
High School students may not leave campus for lunch. GCISD has a closed campus policy, and students who leave
campus will be considered truant. Consumption of snacks is at the discretion of the principal. Student ID numbers shall be
used by all students and staff purchasing lunches.
EMPLOYEE/ADULT MEAL PRICES
All Campuses
District Employees
$1.60
$3.15
Breakfast (daily)
Lunch (daily)
Guest Adults
$1.60
$3.15
Procedures
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
No more than ten (10) meal charges of any type will be allowed by employees at any time. Charges must be
cleared monthly. Employees at charge limit must completely clear charge balance before further charges will be
allowed. Any un-cleared charges that exist at the end of the school year will be withheld from June payroll or from
any final disbursements made in May for separating employees.
Meal counts need to be turned in by 9:00 a.m.
Books, paper, and school supplies will not be allowed in serving line.
The cafeteria needs a one-week notice on all field trips, pizza parties and sack lunches to be prepared. A
24-hour prior notice is requested if it is known a group of students will be absent from lunch at any time.
An employee who issues the district a check that is returned for insufficient funds shall receive written notification.
Employees will have 10 working days from the date of notification to correct the situation. After 10 working days
from the date of the written notification, the amount will be deducted from the employee’s next payroll check. A
surcharge of $25 will be added to the amount of the insufficient check amount.
Prepayments to your account may be made via the myschoolbucks.com website.
Bloodborne Pathogens
GRAPE CREEK ISD BLOODBORNE PATHOGEN EXPOSURE PLAN
A school district is required annually provide all employees information concerning a Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Plan.
Grape Creek ISD offers this information through a separate Health and Wellness Packet that is being provided to you this
year. You are required to read the plan, sign and date the cover sheet to the Health and Wellness Packet and return it to
your campus or department office.
Even though the information is repetitious from year to year, the reminder may help you avoid a serious illness. Staff
wellness is as important to the District as the wellness of the students.
The Law:
House Bill 2085 “extended to state and local governmental entities the federal Occupational Safety and Health
Administration’s (OSHA) standards for dealing with bloodborne pathogens in the workplace and empowered Texas
Department of Health to develop rules modeled after OSHA requirements.”
By January 1, 2000 school districts must:
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
61
1. provide, at district expense, hepatitis B vaccinations to affected (as defined further on) employees.
declines to be vaccinated, the district must maintain a record of the employee’s written refusal;
If an employee
2. provide to affected employees pre-service training and annual refresher training regarding bloodborne pathogens,
transmission, personal protective equipment and procedures, etc.;
3. log all “sticks” by needles (or other “sharps” in the health care setting as defined by the rules);
4. provide for post-exposure evaluation and follow up with any employee who has a sharps injury;
5. report the sharps injury to the Texas Department of Health on a standardized TDH form;
6. develop (prior to January 1, 2001) an exposure control plan per the TDH model. While the narrative accompanying
the rules indicated that employers had some latitude in altering the language of the model to reflect the particulars
of the specific workplace, the rules affirm that the model is a “minimum”.
GCISD BLOODBORNE PATHOGEN EXPOSURE CONTROL PLAN
In order to comply with the Texas Department of Health requirements for an exposure control plan, the Grape Creek
Independent School District shall:
1. Identify employees who could expect to be exposed to blood and/or *other body fluids, which could contain
bloodborne pathogens while performing occupation related duties. This determination will be made on the
basis of the employee’s job descriptions. Employees who may expect an exposure to bloodborne
pathogens as part of the normal course of their job related duties will be designated as “affected
employees”. (See Attachment 1A)
2. Authorize and pay for hepatitis B immunizations for affected employees, to be administered by the Tom
Green County Public Health Department, at their clinic (See Attachment 2A)
3. Maintain records of employees’ hepatitis B immunizations in personnel files. Maintain records of written
declination statements (to take the hepatitis B immunizations) in personnel files. (See Attachment 3A)
4. Provide personal protective equipment, including disposable latex or plastic gloves, biohazard waste bags
and antimicrobial hand cleaner.
5. Provide mandatory annual training regarding bloodborne pathogens and universal precautions to all district
employees. Document all exposure control training. (See Attachment 5A)
6. Keep records of all occupational related exposures to blood and/or *other body fluids. The Post-Exposure
Reports (Attachment 7C) shall be completed, a copy of the report will be sent to the Superintendent and the
original will be retained in the employee’s personnel file. Report sharps injuries to TDH on a standardized
TDH form. (See attached TDH form)
7. Authorize and pay for post-exposure medical evaluation, immunizations and medical follow up for workrelated exposures to blood and/or *other body fluids. In the event that the employee declines post
exposure care, he/she shall sign a declination statement. Declination statements will be retained in his/her
personnel file. (See Attachments 7A, B &C)
8. Maintain all records relative to the Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan for Grape Creek ISD for
the duration of the employee’s employment plus ten (10) years.
All potentially infectious body material as defined by the Texas Department of Health.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
62
Attachment 1A
Exposure Determination
The Texas Department of Health requires employers to perform an exposure determination for employees who have
occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials. The exposure determination is made without regard
to the use of personal protective equipment. This exposure determination is required to list all job classifications in which
employees have occupational exposure, regardless of frequency. The determination will be made on the basis of
employee’s job descriptions. Employees who may reasonably expect an exposure to bloodborne pathogens as part of the
normal course of their job related duties, will be designated as “affected employees”.
The following job titles and classifications apply:
a) School Nurse
b) School Nurse Aides
c) (Certain) Special Education Teachers
d) (Certain) Special Education Aides
e) (Certain) Maintenance Employees
Attachment 1B
Affected Employees for School Year 2013-2014
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
(School Nurse)
(School Nurse Aide)
(School Health Clerk)
(Special Education Aide)
(Special Education Aide)
(Maintenance Worker)
Attachment 2A
Hepatitis B Immunization
Authorization Form
Name: __________________________________________________________________________________________
Job Title: ________________________________________________________________________________________
Job Description: __________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Title of Authorizing Administrator: ____________________________________________________________________
Signature of Authorizing Administrator: ________________________________________________________________
Signature of Employee to Receive Immunization: ________________________________________________________
Date: ____________________
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
63
Attachment 3A
Hepatitis B Immunization
Declination Statement
I understand that due to my occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials I may be at risk of
acquiring hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. I have been given the opportunity to be immunized against hepatitis B virus, at
no charge to myself. However, I decline hepatitis B immunization at this time. I understand that by declining this
immunization, I continue to be at risk of acquiring hepatitis B, a serious disease. If, in the future, I continue to have
occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials and I want to be immunized against hepatitis B, I can
receive the immunization at no charge to me.
Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________________
Signature: _____________________________________ Date: _____________________________________________
Attachment 5A
Completion of Training
I have received training on the following topic(s):
1. Campus Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Plan
2. Types of Bloodborne Pathogens
3. Immunizations and Universal Precaution Measures
4. Workplace Controls and Protective Equipment
Name (print): __________________________________ Principal (print): ______________________________________
Campus: ______________________________________ Date of Training: ___________________________________
Signature: ___________________________________ Name of person giving training: __________________________
Attachment 7A
Post Exposure
Hepatitis B Immunization
Declination Statement
I understand that due to my occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials I may be at risk of
acquiring hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. I have been given the opportunity to be immunized against hepatitis B virus, at
no charge to myself. However, I decline hepatitis B immunization at this time. I understand that by declining this
immunization, I continue to be at risk of acquiring hepatitis B, a serious disease. If, in the future, I continue to have
occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials and want to be immunized against hepatitis B, I can
receive the immunization at no charge to me.
Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________________
Signature: ______________________________________ Date: ____________________________________________
Date of potential exposure: ___________________________________________________________________________
Attach this statement to the Post-Exposure Report and retain in this employee’s personnel file.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
64
Attachment 7B
Post-Exposure Medical Evaluation for
Human Immunodeficiency virus and Hepatitis B
Declination Statement
I understand that due to my occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials I may be at risk of acquiring HIV
and/or HBV. I have been given the opportunity to receive a post-exposure medical evaluation, at no charge to myself. However, I
decline the post-exposure medical evaluation at this time. If in the future I would like this post-exposure evaluation, I will notify my
supervisor.
Name: _______________________________________________ Signature: __________________________________________
Date: _____________________________ Date of potential exposure: _______________________________________________
Attach this statement to the Post-Exposure Report and retain in this employee’s personnel file.
Attachment 7C
Post-Exposure Report
1. Name of employee exposed: _______________________________________________________________________________
2. Job Title: _______________________________________________________________________________________________
3. Time and date of exposure: _________________________________________________________________________________
4. Location at the time of the exposure incident: ___________________________________________________________________
5. Source of exposure: _______________________________________________________________________________________
6. Description of exposure incident: _____________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
7. Administrator(s) evaluation exposure incident: ___________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
8. Conclusion of administrator(s) evaluation: ______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
9. Recommendation(s) of administrator(s: ________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
10. Signature(s) of administrator(s):
______________________________________________
Date: ____________________________________________
______________________________________________
Date: ____________________________________________
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
65
Definitions
1. bloodborne pathogens – pathogenic microorganisms that are present in human blood and cause disease in humans.
These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency (HIV).
2. contaminated – the obvious presence, or the reasonable anticipated presence, of blood or other potentially infectious
material on or inside of any object.
3. contaminated sharps – any contaminated object that can penetrate the skin.
4. exposure incident – a specific mucous membrane, non-intact skin, or contaminated sharps stick, that results in a
potential infection with bloodborne pathogen, as a result of performance of an employee’s duties.
5. personal protective equipment – specialized clothing or equipment worn by an employee for protection against a
hazard in the workplace.
6. universal precautions – an approach to infection control designed to prevent transmission of bloodborne diseases such
as human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B. The guidelines for universal precautions include specific
recommendations for the use of gloves and other personal protective equipment when contact with blood or body
secretions contaminated or potentially contaminated with blood is anticipated.
7. workplace controls – measures that reduce the likelihood of exposure to bloodborne pathogens, by altering the manner
in which a work-related task is accomplished.
These definitions were prepared using information from the Texas Department of Health and the Fifth Edition of Mosby’s
Medical, Nursing & Allied Health Dictionary.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
66
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
67
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
68
Accident Reporting
Injuries requiring a doctor’s care or keeping a student out of school for half a day or more should be recorded. All injuries to
students and employees while they are under the jurisdiction of the school should be reported to the principal.
Requirements (Student Injuries):
1. If a student gets hurt in your classroom, take the student IMMEDIATELY to the nurse.
2. If you are unable to move the student, contact the nurse and principal.
3. As soon as the emergency is over, make a written report to the nurse with a copy to the principal. PLEASE, NEVER
FAIL TO DO THIS.
Requirements (Employee Injuries) :
1. If an employee gets hurt while on duty, he/she must report the accident to the principal.
2. As soon as the principal is notified you must contact the Administration office so a report
can be filed. (Please see page 77 for Accident Report Form.)
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
At Risk Program
The Grape Creek I.S.D. is dedicated to providing academic options and services to students identified as at-risk.
Based on state guidelines, students who are under 21 years of age and who meet one or more of the following
criteria shall be identified as students at risk of dropping out of school:
1. Is in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten or grade 1, 2, or 3, and did not perform satisfactorily on a readiness test or
assessment instrument administered during the current school year;
2. Is in grade 7,8,9,10,11, or 12, and did not maintain an average equivalent to 70 on a scale of 100 in two or more
subjects in the foundation curriculum during a semester in the preceding or current school year or is not maintaining
such an average in two or more subjects in the foundation curriculum in the current semester;
3. Was not advanced from one grade level to the next for one or more school years;
4. Did not perform satisfactorily on an assessment instrument administered to the student under Subchapter B, Chapter
39, and who has not in the previous or current school year subsequently performed on that instrument or another
appropriate instrument at a level equal to at least 110 percent of the level of satisfactory performance on that
instrument;
5. Is pregnant or is a parent;
6. Has been placed in an alternative education program in accordance with Section 37.006 during the preceding or current
school year;
7. Has been expelled in accordance with Section 37.007 during the preceding or current school year;
8. Is currently on parole, probation, deferred prosecution, or other conditional release;
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
69
9. Was previously reported through the Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) to have dropped out
of school;
10. Is a student of limited English proficiency, as defined by Section 29.052;
11. Is in the custody or care of the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services or has, during the current school year,
been referred to the department by a school official, officer of a juvenile court, or law enforcement official;
12. Is homeless, as defined by 42 U.S.C. Section 11302, and its subsequent amendments; or
13. Resided in the preceding school year or resides in the current school year in a residential placement facility in the
district, including a detention facility, substance abuse treatment facility, emergency shelter, psychiatric hospital,
halfway house, or foster group home.
In addition to state criteria, the district may consider environmental, economic, social, developmental, and other
psychosocial factors in determining services where such factor contributes to the student’s inability to progress
academically.
The At-Risk Committees will meet as needed to assess students’ needs based on grades, test scores, promotion, nonpromotion, and counselor or teacher input. They will determine academic options/services to be provided for each student.
Each counselor will conduct an ongoing evaluation of students’ academic progress, including progress towards promotion.
The At-Risk Coordinator will: (a) notify parent/guardian of each student, and (b) monitor intervention activities provided to
ensure that student needs are met.
Classroom teachers will report grades to parents that clearly specify the functional level of each student.
Programs and Services include the following: ESL; Title I; Dyslexia Reading Program; Reading Lab; C.E.I. (computerassisted reading interventions); Tutorials; Special Education; Counseling; modification of classroom materials; peer tutoring;
alternative teaching strategies; and ongoing monitoring.
Dyslexia Program
Dyslexia means a disorder of constitutional origin (you are born with it and it is not a result of birth trauma), manifested by
difficulty in learning to read, write, or spell, despite conventional instruction, adequate intelligence, and socio-cultural
opportunity. Each school district must have a program to screen and treat dyslexia and related disorders.
Only identified students may participate in the Dyslexia Program. Students identified are then referred to existing programs
such as Title 1, ESL, tutoring, special education, and computer assisted instruction. For severe to moderate dyslexia, an
individual program can be developed if none of the above programs are successful.
New students will be appropriately screened for Dyslexia identification.
ESL (English as a Second Language) Program
Students in Pre-K – 12th grades, whose primary language is something other than English, are eligible for the ESL Program.
School districts are required to offer this program, which is taught by a certified ESL teacher. In the early grades, oral
language development is stressed, followed by reading comprehension and written composition. The program is a pull-out
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
70
program, and students participate for approximately 45 minutes a day. Students can be promoted out of the program only
after demonstrating competency on the TAKS or on an achievement test. Parents’ permission for placement is mandatory.
Only identified students are eligible to participate in the ESL Program. Participants are referred to the counselor at
registration if a Home Language Survey form indicates that a language other than English is spoken by the child or spoken
at home. The child is then given an state-approved oral language proficiency test to determine his primary language. If the
primary language is Spanish or any language other than English, the child, after the school receives parental permission, is
place into the program.
Family Services Program
The Family Services Program is a resource for helping our families with a variety of services. Campus counselors will assist
families with needed services off the campus as well as supply them with donated items at school.
Referrals to Family Services Programs are made through the campus counselor. Referrals may be made by teachers,
administration, or family members.
Guidance and Counseling Program
Guidance and counseling services are available to all students. The goal of the Guidance and Counseling Program is to
help students develop academically, personally, and socially.
Activities conducted through Guidance and Counseling are educational in nature, and focus on teaching students skills that
will benefit them throughout their lives.
The counselor may see students individually, in small groups, or in the regular classroom. Curriculum utilized for group
activities is designed to strengthen decision-making skills, enhance positive self images, promote better relationships, and
develop good coping skills. Parents may preview the curriculum by setting up an appointment with the counselor.
Parental Consent
Parents have then (10) calendar days from the date of their signature indicating they have received and read the Student
Handbook, to request in writing that they wish to be contacted prior to their child participating in activities through our
Guidance and Counseling Program. (Consent is not required before a counselor counsels a student when there are
reasonable grounds to believe that a child has been abused, is contemplating suicide, or is involved in chemical addiction,
dependency, or abuse.)
Referral Process
Parents, school personnel, or students themselves may request counseling. Students need to ask their teachers if they
may see the counselor to set up an appointment; parents may call or stop by the counselor’s office to make a referral; and
school personnel need to complete a “Referral to the Counselor” form.
Technology Program
The Director of Technology provides these services:
• Periodic maintenance and repair of all district computers, TVs, VCRs, telephones,
• video players, laser disc players, and copy machines.
• Review all software requests to ensure there are no duplications.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
71
• District Consultant for all technology matters.
Please contact if you have any electronic item such as cassette tape players, pocket records, etc. or any item used in the
classroom that is in need of repair.
Title One Reading
A program to supplement the regular classroom reading program for students in grades K-5 who are identified as having
mild to moderate reading difficulties is now referred to as Title One. The purpose of Title One is to provide opportunities for
children served to acquire the knowledge and skills contained in the challenging state performance standards.
Identified students who fall below level on current school achievement or TAKS Testing may qualify. Currently we are
serving most Title One students in a program called Essential Learning Systems developed by CEI or Creative Education
Institution. Students attend this reading lab on a daily basis for 45 minutes for additional reading instruction.
Parental input is crucial throughout this program. Parents of Title One students will be notified of special meetings and
workshops that they may attend in order to help their child succeed.
Student Registration/Withdrawal
All Campuses
At the time of registration, parents/guardians must complete:
• Enrollment Card/Emergency Information Form
• Home Language Survey
• Student Residency Questionnaire
• Immigrant/Migrant Status
• Health Information Form
The parents, or previous school, have 30 days to furnish the following:
• Social Security Card
• Birth Certificate (previous school records with proper identification can take the place
• of the birth certificate)
• Immunization Record
• Previous School Academic, Attendance, and Test Records
Parents are given:
• Student Handbook/Student Code of Conduct (if the student is new to Grape Creek)
• Health Handbook
• Supply List
• School Calendar
Parents/Guardians may also complete an application for the Free and Reduced Lunch Program. Completed applications
must be given to the Food Services Supervisor.
Withdrawals must be initiated by the parents/guardians. A withdrawal form must be completed by the teacher and given to
the campus secretary. Campus administrators or designee must sign the completed form. The withdrawal date should be
the first day the student is not in attendance, and this date is recorded by the campus secretary.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
72
Teachers are required to give grades on the withdrawal form for grades 2-12, and PreK-1 teachers should indicate the
student’s academic standing. In addition, teachers are to give the total days attended for the six weeks and for the year. In
addition, teachers are to check the special services the student had been receiving, if any. The teacher’s signature is also
required.
PreK-1 Teachers must turn in to the office the student’s portfolio within five days of withdrawal.
Secondary Registration/Withdrawals
Enrolling new students to your class:
1. If a new student is scheduled in your class, accept the student (even if your class is full). You can contact the counselor
later to see if she is aware of the situation. Do not let the student think you do not want him because it is too crowded.
Your class will be balanced to normal as soon as the counselor is aware of the problem.
2. The student should bring with him a grade (in your subject matter) from another school upon entering your class during
the school year. If he does not have that grade, it means that the student’s records are probably enroute or are being
sent for by the counselor. In this case, the counselor should send these grades to the teacher. If you still have not
received a grade after three weeks, please contact the counselor. After you receive the transfer grade, you must prorate the student’s final grade by averaging your grade in with the other grade. Use good judgment in reaching the final
grade when averaging in this manner.
3. If a student transfers into your class with a change-of-schedule form, you, as the receiving teacher, should sign the
student into your class BEFORE the releasing teacher signs. As soon as you sign the form and add the student to your
roster, send the student to his former teacher to check out with her. As soon as possible, be sure to get the student’s
grade, attendance, and tardy record from the previous teacher.
Withdrawing students:
1. Continue recording a student absent from your class until you get an official withdrawal slip. To withdraw from your
class, the student must have either a withdrawal sheet (from the office) or a change-of-schedule form (from the
counselor’s office) When you receive a withdrawal sheet, please be sure you collect the student’s textbook (if possible)
before signing the sheet.
2. A student who has been dropped from school may not be present to have you sign the withdrawal sheet. In that case,
an office aide or student will probably bring around this withdrawal sheet for your signature.
3. Be sure to mark your grade book with a “w” on the date of the student’s withdrawal.
4. The withdrawal slip has a place for the student’s grade. If the student is moving to another district, it is very important
that you show the grade the student has earned at the time of the withdrawal. (If a student is being dropped for nonattendance, his grades with be “F”s.)
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
73
Policy Online
The district legal and local policy documents are available for view online in their entirety at www.grapecreekisd.net. Just
click on Board of Trustees under Quicklinks, then the Policy Online logo. Printed below, for your convenience, are policy
codes and information that is included by each code as well as a link to the online policy.
DAA
Equal employment opportunity
http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=DAA(LEGAL).pdf
DBAA
Criminal history and credit reports
http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=DBAA(LEGAL).pdf
DBD
Conflict of interest
http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=DBD(LEGAL).pdf
DC Series
Employment practices
http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=DC(LEGAL).pdf
DEA Series
Salaries and wages; incentives and stipends
http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=DEA(LEGAL).pdf
DEC Series
Leaves and absences
http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=DEC(LEGAL).pdf
DFAC
Return to probationary status
http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=DFAC(LEGAL).pdf
DFB Series
Termination of term contracts
http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=DFB(LEGAL).pdf
DFD
Hearings before hearing examiner
http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=DFD(LEGAL).pdf
DFE
Resignations
http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=DFE(LEGAL).pdf
DFF
Reduction in force
http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=DFF(LEGAL).pdf
DG
Employee rights and privileges
http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=DG(LEGAL).pdf
DGBA
Employee Complaints
http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=DGBA(LEGAL).pdf
DH
Employee standards of conduct
http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=DH(LEGAL).pdf
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
74
DHE
Searches and Drug/Alcohol Testing
http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=DHE(LEGAL).pdf
DI
Employee welfare
http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=DI(LEGAL).pdf
DIA
Discrimination, harassment and retaliation
http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=DIA(LEGAL).pdf
DK
Assignments and schedules
http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=DK(LEGAL).pdf
DN Series
Performance appraisal
http://pol.tasb.org/Policy/Download/1142?filename=DN(LEGAL).pdf
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
75
APPENDIX
Please note that the forms that follow are included to familiarize employees with the content and
appearance of the forms for recognition purposes only. Many of these forms must be filled out in triplicate,
so please do not copy the forms from this book. Instead, ask your campus secretary or department
supervisor for the proper forms.
Accident Report Form
-Employee, 77
-Students, 79
Employee Absentee Form, 80
Direct Deposit Form, 81
Exit Interview Form, 82
FMLA – Employee Rights and Responsibilities, 84
Referral Forms
- Discipline, 85
- Counselor, 86
- Nurse, 87
- Special Education, 88
- 504 Program, 89
Failure Reporting
-Elementary, 90
-Secondary, 91
Grading Procedures
-Elementary, 92
-Secondary, 92
Homework Policy, 93
Purchasing Procedures Forms
-Quote Sheet, 94
-Requisition Form (online), 95
-Purchase Order (computer-generated), 96
Travel Forms
-Extracurricular Requisition Request Form, 97
-Travel Voucher, 98
-Texas Sales and Use Exemption Certification, 99
-Texas Hotel Occupancy Exemption Certificate, 100
-Student Activity and Transportation Permission, 101
-Parental Release and Self-Transport Form, 102
Child Sexual Abuse Plan, 103
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
76
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
77
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
78
Student Accident Record
Injuries requiring a doctor's care or keeping a student out of school one-half day or more should be recorded on
this report. All injuries to students while they are under jurisdiction of the school should be reported to a
designated school official.
______________________
Grade
_______________________________________________
Teacher
________________________________ ___________________
Student's Name
Date of Accident
_________________________________
Time of Accident
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Location of Accident
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Type of Accident
How Accident Occurred:_____________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
NOTES: Keep one copy for your files and turn one copy into the office.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
79
Employee Absentee Sheet
All sections MUST be completed. Pay special attention to
Section III and the employee identification numbers.
SECTION I
Employee ___________________________________
Employee ID #______________
Reason for Absence ____________________________________________________________
Dates of Absence ___________________ # of Days Absent: Half Day:___________a.m./p.m.
Full Day: __________________
SECTION II
Substitutes Name: _____________________________
Signature:
_____________________________
Substitute ID # _____________
___ Special Ed
___ Comp Ed
___ Other ______________
IF YOU DO NOT KNOW WHO SUBSTITUTED FOR YOUR CLASSROOM, ASK THE SECRETARY
SECTION III
OFFICE USE ONLY
PLEASE CHECK ONE OF THE FOLLOWING
___ Comp time (Hrly only)
________ Local Day(s)
_______ Assault Leave
___ Dock
________ State Day(s)
________ Inservice/Workshop/Athletics/Band/UIL (please circle)
________ Other (Explain) ______________________________________________________
Note: Each employee must submit an Employee Absentee Form immediately upon returning to duty. A written statement
from the attending physician or practitioner must be submitted for an absence of more than five (5) continuous workdays
and must be attached to this form.
YOU MUST FILL OUT SECTION III BEFORE YOU SIGN THE
FORM:
_______________________________
Signature of Administrator
Approved: _____
Not Approved: _____
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
_____________________________
Signature of Employee
Reason: __________________________________________________
80
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
81
GRAPE CREEK INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
EXIT INTERVIEW FORM
TODAY’S DATE:____________
NAME:___________________________________ LAST DAY TO WORK:________________
ASSIGNMENT:____________________________ CAMPUS:__________________________
I.
TYPE OF SEPARATION: (CHECK ONE)
A. Reason for termination:
_____ Dismissal*
______ Resignation
_____ Retirement
_____ Non-renewal*
______ with notice
_____ other*
_____ Reduction in force
______ without notice
_____ Extended disability
*Explanation: ___________________________________________________________
B. Check all reasons for leaving (to be completed for all voluntary resignations):
_____ Spouse Transfer
_____ Health Reasons
_____ Family Circumstances
_____ Dissatisfied with type of work
_____ Career Change
_____ Returning to school
_____ Moving to another District _____ Leave of Absence (specify):
_____ Secured better position
_______________________________________________
_____ Retirement
_____ Other: ___________________________________
II.
RATE THE FOLLOWING AREAS:
5 – Outstanding 4 – Exceeds Expectations 3 – Satisfactory 2 – Needs Improvement 1 – Unsatisfactory
STAFF SUPPORT
SCORE
COMMENTS
1.
Provides opportunity for
professional growth.
12345
_____________________________
2.
Provides adequate teaching
supplies and materials.
12345
_____________________________
3.
Provides support to staff for the
instructional program.
12345
_____________________________
4.
Provides curriculum guides,
12345
teacher editions, etc., needed for teaching.
_____________________________
5.
Provides an adequate orientation
regarding school philosophy.
12345
_____________________________
6.
Provides a positive environment
in the work place.
12345
_____________________________
7.
Allows opportunity for innovation
and creativity.
12345
_____________________________
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
82
8.
Provides opportunity for
advancement.
12345
____________________________
9.
Communicates frequently and
effectively with staff.
12345
____________________________
10.
Practices equity toward all
employees.
12345
____________________________
Comments: __________________________________________________________________
Employee Signature: ___________________________________ Date: __________________
III.
TO BE COMPLETED BY IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Collect District Property
_____ Keys
_____ Uniforms
_____ I.D. Badge
Is employee eligible for rehire? _____ Yes
______ Equipment
______ Books
______ Other: ________________
______ No
Comments: ____________________________________________________________
Signature of Immediate Supervisor: __________________________ Date: _________
IV.
TO BE COMPLETED BY ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL STAFF: Benefits & Deductions
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Group Term Life Insurance
Unemployment Compensation
457 Deferred Compensation
Schools Foundation
Professional Association Dues
Professional Association Dues
Credit Union Loan
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
Health Insurance Card(s)
Disability Insurance
Permanent Life Insurance
403(b) Tax Sheltered Annuity
Teacher Retirement System
Salary Payoff Options
Garnishments/Levy
United Way Contribution
Credit Union Savings
_____ Mailing Address/Phone Number for Final Paycheck and W2:
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Comments: ____________________________________________________________
Signature of District Official : ______________________________ Date: ___________
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
83
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
84
Disciplinary Referral to Principal
Grape Creek Independent School District
STUDENT: ____________________________________________ DATE: __________________________________
TEACHER: ____________________________________________ GRADE: _________________________________
______ YES ______ NO PARENTAL CONTACT MADE?
IF YES, PARENT NAME AND DATE OF CONTACT: _________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
PARENTAL SIGNATURE
____ REQUIRED
____ NOT REQUIRED
_______________________________________
SIGNATURE OF PARENT
_______________________________
DATE
ACTIONS/DETENTIONS/INTERVENTIONS TAKEN BY TEACHER: ____________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
DESCRIPTION OF OFFENSE: _____________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
LEVEL OF OFFENSE: ______________
STEP STUDENT IS ON: __________________
ACTION TAKEN: (If corporal punishment is used, witness's signature is required)
________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________
PRINCIPAL SIGNATURE
_____________________________
WITNESS SIGNATURE
Make copies for the following personnel:
Parent/Guardian
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
85
Office
_________________________
DATE
Detention Supervisor
Teacher
Referral to Counselor
STUDENT: _____________________________ DATE: _______________________
TEACHER: _____________________________ DATE: _______________________
Description of Behavior/Problem:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Date(s) Behavior Occurred:
__________________________________________________________________
Actions/Interventions Taken by Teacher:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Parents Contacted?
_______ Yes
________ Date of Concern
_______ No
Additional Comments:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Give a copy of completed form to Principal.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
86
Referral to Nurse
STUDENT: __________________________ TEACHER: _______________________
DATE: _______________________
TIME: ___________________________
REASON FOR REFERRAL:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Referral to Nurse
STUDENT: __________________________ TEACHER: _______________________
DATE: _______________________
TIME: ___________________________
REASON FOR REFERRAL:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Referral to Nurse
STUDENT: __________________________ TEACHER: _______________________
DATE: _______________________
TIME: ___________________________
REASON FOR REFERRAL:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
87
Special Education
Request to Begin Referral Process
Teacher: ________________________________________ Date: ________________
Student: _________________________________________
Type of assessment request: (check one)
_____ Special Education
_____ Speech
List 3 things that have already been tried, and why they didn't work.
(Example for speech: modeling correct speech; example for special education: Title I Reading; individual
tutoring)
Alternatives Tried
Reason for Rejection
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
Have you spoken with the student's parent about this referral?
_____ Yes
_____ No
VISION AND HEARING SCREENING RESULTS
Vision Screening:
_____ Pass
_____ Fail
Date: _________________
Hearing Screening:
_____ Pass
_____ Fail
Date: _________________
* Place in Counselor's Tray
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
88
504 Referral Form
Student: ___________________________________ Grade: _____________________
Describe suspected mental or physical disability that substantially limits a major life activity:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Document classroom-based interventions that have been carried out over an adequate length of time to
determine effectiveness:
Intervention
Date
From
To
(1) __________________________________ ________________
________________
_________________________________
__________________________________
(2) __________________________________ ________________
________________
_________________________________
__________________________________
Dates parents contacted about concerns (at least one parent contact is required before referral is made).
Parents Contacted:
____________
Date
____________
Date
Teacher's Signature : _________________________________________
Date: _________________________
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
89
____________
Date
Elementary Failing Students
Complete and return to the Counselor the same week that is designated for progress reports.
Teacher: ____________________________________ Date: _____________________
______ All students have satisfactory grades/work at this time.
Student
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
Grade
90
Subject
Reason
Secondary Failing Students
Progress Report
Grape Creek ISD
Grading Period:
Teacher:
Date of Report:
(Grades in italics dropped from average displayed.)
(Exc. denotes an excused assignment, Msg. a missed assignment)
GEOMETRY
Category 1
03/01 PWB p34 1-6
03/05 PWB 7-1 p52 7-15
04/01 p402 6-9
Daily Work 30% 02/22 TAKS Participation
03/02 PWB p34
03/30 p399 1-3 p402 1-4
Category 2
Quiz 30%
03/02 Q4.6 PWB p33
Category 3
Test 40%
03/09 T-7.1
02/24 TAKS Participation
03/03 PWB p52 1-6
03/30 p 402 6-9
03/08 Q-7.1 mixed 1-9
04.01 Test 7.2
Comments
Average
Category
1 Daily Work
100.00
2 Quiz
--3 Test
--Overall Average Inc. (F)
Parent's Signature ____________________________
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
Student's Signature ___________________________
91
Elementary Grading Procedures
Kindergarten
Every nine weeks an academic portfolio is given to each student's parent. These profiles are composed of portfolios and
checklists. Profiles are given at required parent conferences at the end of the 1st nine-week reporting period and the 3rd
nine-week period. For the 2nd nine-week reporting period and the last, profiles may be sent home or a parent conference
may be called by the teacher or the parent.
Areas addressed:
English/Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, Science, Health, Physical Education, Fine Arts, and Social
Development
1st – 5th Grades
Numerical grades shall be given each six weeks in the following areas: English/Language Arts (Reading, English, Spelling),
Math, Social Studies, and Science
Letter grades of E, S, N, or U are given for handwriting, fine arts, health, physical education, and conduct.
All grades below 70 are considered failing.
Secondary Grading Procedures
I.
Gradebooks:
A. Teachers MUST USE GRADEBOOKS for Grades (computer or traditional).
B. Use the grade book as it is designed. Be sure your grades in the grade book and those given on the report cards are the
same and updated as per campus policy. Normally, you should have at least one grade per week.
C. Do not permit students to have access to your grade book or teacher computer. Always keep your
gradebook in a "safe" place--never lying unattended on your desk.
D. Please be as neat as possible in marking your grade book.
E. Be sure all grades are clear. Be sure all explanatory information concerning your grading system is clearly stated on the
back of the front cover of your grade book.
F.
It is imperative that attendance be accurately entered, coded and reported due
requirement.
to the 90% attendance
G. Computer-generated grades are acceptable and should be entered into the computer on a weekly basis or as per campus
policy.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
92
II
Computations
A. Post all grades numerically on a percentage basis from 0% to 100%; for example, a 50 means 50% of the work was
correct, a 90 means 90% of the work was correct, etc.
B. At the bottom of each grade column, include a brief description of what each grade represented (major test, quiz, etc.).
C. Inside the grade book's front cover, include a brief description of the method used for determining each course's six
weeks average.
D. If any grade results in a decimal fraction of .5 or higher, round the grade to the next highest number.
E. Teachers must post all grades numerically in the grade book.
F. To determine the semester average:
1. Add the three six weeks averages and multiply by two.
2. Add the semester exam grade to the above average.
3. Divide the resulting number by seven.
1st six weeks grade = 84 x 2 = 168
2nd six weeks grade = 90 x 2 = 180
Homework Policy
Homework should be an extension of independent practice in the classroom or short reinforcement of mastered skills and
not used as a means of initial instruction. (No parent should be put in a “teaching” position.) Homework should not be used
for mastery or discipline management. Assignments should be ability/grade level appropriate. Homework may affect report
card grades, but not more than 10%. Homework should not be a determining factor in deciding mastery or non-mastery. If
homework is worth assigning, it should be used or graded in a meaningful way.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
93
QUOTE SHEET
Date
__________________________
Description of Product _______________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Vendor
1. _________________________
Phone #
Quote Amount
_____________________ ___________________
Comments ________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________
_____________________ ___________________
Comments ________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________
_____________________ ___________________
Comments ________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Quote Awarded to: ___________________________________
Reason: ____________________________________________
Quote Completed By: __________________________
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
94
Grape Creek Independent School District
Requisition Form
School Organization/Class: ____________________ Requisition #: ___________________________
Vendor Name: ______________________________
P.O.#: ___________________________
Address: ___________________________________
Vendor#: _________________________
___________________________________________
Phone/Fax:________________________
___________________________________________
Item #
Quantity
Description
Discount
Unit Price
Unit of
Issue
Total Amount
Shipping and Handling
TOTAL PURCHASE
Item #
Fund
Function
Object
Org.
Yr/Prog.
Encumbered Amt.
Current Amt. Balance
Prepared by ________________________________ Date Requested __________________________
Approved by _________________________________
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
95
Date ____________________________________
Grape Creek ISD
8207 US HWY 87 NORTH SAN ANGELO, TX 76901
Phone: (325) 658-7823 Fax: (325) 658-8719
S
H T
I O
P
ADMINISTRATION
8207 US HWY 87 N
SAN ANGELO, TX 76901
V
E
N
D
O
R
ADMINISTRATION
8207 US HWY 87 N
SAN ANGELO, TX 76901
Page: 1 of 1
SEQ QTY UNIT
001
1
EA
002
3
EA
CATALOG NBR
HON314CPL
HEWC9723A
P.O. NUMBER
ATTACHMENTS
P.O. DATE
DELIVER BY
REQ NBR
VENDOR NBR
REF NBR
BID NBR
DESCRIPTION
UNIT PRICE
DISCOUNT
FREIGHT
FILE CABINET
185.00000
.00
.00
Fund-Func-Obj.So-Org-Prog
Amt
199-31-6399-00-999-523000
185.00
Total:
185.00
BLUE CARTRIDGES
205.53000
.00
.00
Fund-Func-Obj.So-Org-Prog
Amt
199-31-6399-00-999-523000
619.59
Total: 619.59
Approval Path
Alternate User
Seq Nbr
User
00
JANE DOE
01
JOHN DOE
002000
09-01-2005
08-31-2005
000700
00050
VENDOR NOTE
TOTAL PRICE
185.00
616.59
Status
Date
Approved
09-10-2005
Approved
09-11-2005
TOTAL P.O.
SAMPLE DISTRICT
COPY
ORIGINATOR
JOHN SMITH
FINAL APPROVAL
JOHN DOE
DATE
08-31-2005
DATE
09-0-2005
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
REQUESTOR
JANE DOE
DATE
08-31-2005
RECEIVED BY
JANE DOE
DATE
09-30-2005
96
INITIAL APPROVAL
JOHN DOE
DATE
09-01-2005
$711.59
EXTRACURRICULAR REQUISITION REQUEST FORM EVENT __________________ DATE OF EVENT____________ # OF ATHLETES______________ BOYS_______________ GIRLS________________ ** (ATTACH A LIST OF STUDENTS ATTENDING) ** ENTRY FEE YES NO $____________ TO BE: MAILED PICKED UP BY___/ /____ CHECK MADE PAYABLE TO _____________________________________________________________ ADDRESS (IF MAILED) _________________________________________________________________ (INVOICE MUST BE ATTACHED) # STUDENT MEALS _______________ ________________ ________________ B‐ $ 5.00 L‐ $ 7.00 D‐ $ 7.00 ($19 TOTAL) # SPONSOR MEALS _______________ ________________ _________________ B‐ $ 7.50 L‐$ 10.00 D‐ $18.50 ($36 TOTAL) IF CLAIMING BREAKFAST YOU MUST LEAVE BEFORE 6 A.M. TO CLAIM DINNER YOU MUST TRAVEL AFTER 6 P.M A/C CODE FOR BOYS ___________________________________________ A/C CODE FOR GIRLS ___________________________________________ A/C CODE FOR COACHES ___________________________________________ REQUISITIONS SUBMITTED TO ATHLETIC DIRECTOR: YES NO TAX EXEMPT PAPERWORK NEEDED? YES NO ______________________________________ _______________________________________ SPONSOR/COACH’S SIGNATURE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR/PRINCIPAL SIGNATURE 2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
97
TRAVEL VOUCHER
Grape Creek Independent School District
8207 N. US Highway 87
San Angelo, Texas 76901
Vendor #: ____________________
TRAVEL:
Date(s)
Destination / Location
Purpose of Trip
PAY TO: _________________________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS: ________________________________________________________________________________________
Street or P.O. Box Number
Dates Covered by This Voucher:
City
State
Zip Code
From: __________________ To: ___________________
(Both dates inclusive)
FARES – PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION – TAXI (Attach Receipts)
$
_________________
PERSONAL CAR MILEAGE: ____________ @ State Rate
_________________
HOTEL (Attach Receipts)
_________________
MEALS (Attach Receipts
_________________
OTHER TRAVELING EXPENSES (Attach Receipts)
_________________
TOTAL
$
______________________________________________
SIGNATURE OF CLAIMANT
DATE
_________________
_________-_______-_____________
EMPLOYEE ID NUMBER #
________________________________________
_______________________________
SIGNATURE OF ADMINISTRATOR
DATE
FOR BUSINESS OFFICE USE ONLY
_________________________________________
____________________________
SIGNATURE OF DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS
DATE
_________________________________________
____________________________
SIGNATURE OF SUPERINTENDENT
DATE
______________________________________________
ACCOUNT #
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
98
TEXAS SALES AND USE TAX EXEMPTION CERTIFICATION
Name of purchaser, firm or agency
Grape Creek ISD
Address (Street & Number, P.O. Box or Route number)
Phone (Area code and number)
8207 Hwy 87 North
325-658-7823
City, State, ZIP Code
San Angelo, TX 76901
I, the purchaser named above, claim an exemption from payment of sales and use taxes for the purchase of taxable items described below
or on the attached order or invoice form:
Seller: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Street Address: __________________________________ City, State, ZIP code: _____________________________________
Description of times to be purchased or on the attached order or invoice:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Purchaser claims this exemption for the following reason:
__Educational Institute – Non-Profit Organization__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I understand that I will be liable for payment of sales or use taxes which may become due for failure to comply with the provisions of the Tax Code:
Limited Sales, Excise, and Use Tax Act; Municipal Sales and Use Tax Act; Sales and Use Taxes for Special Purpose Taxing Authorities; County Sales and
Use Tax Act; County Health Services Sales and Use Tax; The Texas Health and Safety Code; Special Provisions Relating to Hospital Districts, Emergency
Services Districts in counties with a population of 125,000 or less.
I understand that it is a criminal offense to give an exemption certificate to the seller for taxable items that I know at the time of purchase, will be used in a
manner other than that expressed in this certificate and, depending on the amount of tax evaded, the offense may range from a Class C misdemeanor to a felony
of the second degree.
Purchaser
Title
sign
here
Date
NOTE: This certificate cannot be issued for the purchase, lease, or rental of a motor vehicle.
THIS CERTIFICATE DOES NOT REQUIRE A NUMBER TO BE VALID.
Sales and Use Tax "Exemption Numbers" or "Tax Exempt" Numbers do not exist.
This certificate should be furnished to the supplier. Do not send the completed certificate to the Comptroller of Public Accounts.
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
99
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
100
Grape Creek Independent School District
Student Activity and Transportation Permission
Student Information:
_______________________________________________________________
(Last Name)
(First)
(MI)
Mailing Address:
_______________________________
___________________
(Phone)
Date of Birth: ___________________________
Many of Grape Creek ISD’s curricular and extracurricular activities involve transporting students from school to the site
of the activity using school buses or other school-owned or provided vehicles as required under Board Policy FMG
(LOCAL). By my signature below, I consent to my minor child’s participation in the following activity(ies):
ACTIVITY:
and the transportation necessary to participate: I understand that the school district has no liability for any personal injury
or death that may occur while my child is participating in curricular and extracurricular activities and that the school
district is not responsible for the cost of medical treatment for any injuries that may occur while my child is participating
in curricular and extracurricular activities.
In case of an emergency, we may need to contact you during this activity. Please provide the following information.
_______________________________
__________________________________
Parent Home Phone #
Parent Work Phone #
__________________________________
Other #
_____________________________________
Other #
CONSENT TO MEDICAL TREATMENT
By my signature below, I authorize the principal or other professional employee who is supervising curricular and
extracurricular activities to consent to emergency medical treatment for my minor child’s illness or injury that may occur
while my child is participating in curricular and extracurricular activities.
Known Allergies: ____________________________________________________________________________
Current Medications: _________________________________________________________________________
Insurance Information: ______________________________________________________________________________________
Insurance Responsible Party: _________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________
(Parent/Legal Guardian Name-Printed)
______________________________
(Parent/Legal Guardian Signature)
Date: _______________
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
101
8207 N. US Highway 87
San Angelo, Texas 76901
325-658-7823
(Fax) 325-658-8719
Web site:
www.grapecreekisd.net
Parental Release and Self-Transport Form
1.
As the parent or legal guardian of ___________________________________, I will be driving my child or will
allow my child to be driven by _________________________, to or from a school-related activity, on
_______________________, 201___.
2.
The vehicle my child will be driven in is properly insured as required by state law.
3.
I understand that GCISD has provided transportation to this event.
4.
I understand that in providing for my child’s own transportation separate and apart from the transportation
provided by GCISD, I am acting independently and not as an agent and/or an employee of GCISD.
5.
I understand that GCISD does not: a) have the right to direct the duties that I am undertaking
of driving my child nor does GCISD have the right to direct the duties of the person(s) driving a vehicle
containing my child; b) accept direct or incidental benefit from the act of me providing independent
transportation for my child; or c) have a right to terminate or replace myself or any person(s) driving a vehicle
containing my child.
6.
I understand that no compensation for travel expenses shall be paid by GCISD.
7.
Consequently, I understand that GCISD assumes no liability in the event of an accident or injury and I further
agree to assume all liability and hold GCISD harmless.
______________________________________________
Parent/Legal Guardian Signature
____________________________________
Date
______________________________________________
Student Signature
___________________________________
Date
______________________________________________
GCISD Sponsor Signature
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
102
___________________________________
Date
GRAPE CREEK ISD
Child Sexual Abuse Plan
2013-2014
Sexual abuse in the Texas Family Code is defined as any sexual conduct harmful to a child’s mental,
emotional, or physical welfare as well as a failure to make a reasonable effort to prevent sexual conduct
with a child.
Possible physical/behavioral/emotional warning signs of sexual abuse could be:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Difficulty sitting or walking
Pain in the genital areas
Claims of stomachaches and headaches
Verbal references or pretend games of sexual activity between adults and children
Fear of being alone with adults of a particular gender
Sexually suggestive behavior
Self-destructive behavior
Aggressiveness
Withdrawal
Depression
Sleeping and eating disorders
Problems in school
Anyone who suspects that a child has been or may be abused or neglected has a legal responsibility,
under state law, for reporting the suspected abuse or neglect. Reports may be made by contacting one of
the following:
Texas Abuse Hotline, 1-800-252-5400
Tom Green County Sheriff’s Department, 655-8111
Call 911 for emergency situations
A child who has experienced sexual abuse should be encouraged to seek out a trusted adult. The school
counselor or principal can also provide information regarding counseling options for the child.
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services also manages early intervention counseling
programs. The Austin location may be contacted at 1-512-556-8269 and the San Angelo location may be
contacted at 657-7400.
See the following websites for more information:
Prevent Child Abuse America: www.preventchildabuse.org
Prevent Child Abuse Texas: www.preventchildabusetexas.org
Texas Association Against Sexual Assault: www.taasa.org
Child Welfare Information Gateway: www.childwelfare.gov
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services: www.dfps.state.tx.us
2013-2014 GCISD Employee Handbook
103