Employee Handbook Acknowledgment and Receipt
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Alexandria City Public Schools Purpose of the Employee Handbook This handbook is designed to serve as a reference for the employees of Alexandria City Public Schools. It provides answers to frequently asked questions and general information that is helpful to employees regarding employment guidelines within the Alexandria City Public Schools. This Handbook was prepared by the Human Resources Department to give you important information about the Alexandria City Public Schools in regards to your employment, personnel procedures and policies and what you can expect from the Human Resources Department and what we will expect of you. It will help avoid misunderstandings and provide answers to questions that may arise during your employment with the ACPS. No handbook can cover every situation. Therefore, the ACPS administration has the authority and right to make the final decisions they believe are best within the framework of the policies and procedures described in this Handbook. The information within this handbook is divided by topic. In addition, an attachment section includes forms referenced throughout the booklet. To find more comprehensive information, employees should utilize the School Division’s policy manual. A copy of the School Board Policy is accessible on the division’s website at www.acps.k12.va.us/policy. It is our intent to maintain all the policies, procedures and benefits described in this Handbook, however, please note that the employee handbook does not contain full explanations of all policies and procedures. The handbook is intended to be a summary of the most common policies impacting employees. It does not supersede or re-interpret policy. School Board Policy is the primary document of reference. We hope that you find this information useful. If you have questions: ● Ask your immediate supervisor. ● Follow the hyperlinks to the online policy manual throughout the handbook. ● Visit the Human Resources website at www.acps.k12.va.us/hr for the online employee handbook. ● Contact the Human Resources Department at 703-619-8010 for questions or comments. This handbook is subject to revisions. The Alexandria City School Board is an equal opportunity employer, committed to nondiscrimination in recruitment, selection, hiring, pay, promotion, retention, or other personnel actions affecting employees or candidates for employment. Therefore, discrimination in employment against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status, political affiliation, parental or marital status, age, pregnancy, or disability is prohibited. Personnel decisions shall be based on merit and the ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. 1 | Page Contents Purpose of the Employee Handbook 1 Introduction 6 Campus Surveillance Video Public Notice 6 About ACPS - Fast Facts 6 ACPS Vision, Mission, Core Values and Goals 6 Organizational Chart and Structure 7 ACPS 2020-2025 Strategic Plan 8 Alexandria City Public Schools’ Human Resources Department 9 ACPS Schools 10 HIGH SCHOOL 10 MIDDLE SCHOOLS 10 K-8 SCHOOL 10 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS 10 ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS AND SCHOOLS 10 ADULT EDUCATION 11 Visiting Central Office 12 Parking Information for Central Office Visitors 12 Other Transportation Options – See details at www.acps.k12.va.us/centraloffice 12 Emergency Closure/Delay Procedures: 12 Two Hour Delayed Opening 12 Two Hour Early Closing 13 Schools and Administrative Offices Closed 13 Schools Closed, Administrative Offices Open 13 Compensation & Salaries 13 Licensing and Certification 14 Employee Engagement and Relations, Performance Evaluations and Training 14 Annual Performance Evaluations 14 Employment Verification 15 Contact Information for Employee Relations 15 School Board Personnel Policy 15 Staff Perks 16 2 | Page PerkSpot Employee Discounts 16 Free Use of Alexandria Recreation Centers 16 Monthly Transportation Subsidy 16 Free Use of the Gym at Braddock Place for Full-time Central Office Employees 16 Affordable Housing 16 Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program 16 Benefits 17 Life Events 17 Employee Assistance Program 17 Workers' Compensation 18 Separation of Employment 18 Address Changes 18 When Your Health Insurance Benefits Will End 18 Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) 19 Your Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) 19 Virginia Retirement System (VRS) and Supplemental Retirement Plan Members Retirement Contributions 19 VRS Life Insurance 19 Annual Leave 20 Unused Sick Leave 20 Retirement Savings Accounts: 403(b) and 457(b) 20 Complete an Exit -Survey Form 20 Standards of Conduct 20 Employee Identification Badges 24 Accidents 24 POLICIES 25 Personnel Policies Goals 25 School Employee Conflict of Interest 27 Virginia Conflict of Interest and Ethics Advisory Council Contact Information 27 Time and Attendance - Clock in Daily 24 School Crisis, Emergency Management and Medical Emergency Response Plan 26 Reporting of Hazards 26 Non-Discrimination 25 3 | Page Staff Time Schedules 28 Work Schedules 28 Workweek Defined 28 Overtime and Flexible Scheduling 28 Attendance Expectations 29 Responsible Computer System Use 29 Electronic Mail 29 Software/Applications 29 Non-school Related Business 29 ACPS Social Media Regulations 29 Access to Employee Social Media Accounts 30 Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting 30 Sexual Harassment/Harassment Based on Race, National Origin, Disability, Religion, Age, Gender, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sexual Orientation/Hostile Work Environment. 30 Sexual Harassment 30 Hostile, Humiliating or Intimidating Work Environment 30 Complaint Procedure 30 Title IX Compliance Officer 31 Sexual Harassment Compliance Officer 31 Staff Health 31 Unlawful Manufacture, Distribution, Dispensing, Possession or Use of a Controlled Substance 31 Tobacco-Free School for Staff and Students 31 Electronic Cigarettes 31 Personnel Records 31 Licensed Staff Grievances 32 Support Staff Grievance 32 Staff Leave and Absences 32 Earning Leave 32 Leave Usage 32 Leave Types 32 Annual Leave 32 Personal Leave 32 4 | Page Sick Leave 32 Bereavement Leave 33 Leave for Religious Observation 33 Donated Sick Leave 33 Jury/Court Duty and Other Civic Leave 33 Military Leave, Reserve Training Leave 33 Professional Leave 33 Leave Payout 33 Effect of Criminal Conviction 33 Professional Staff Probationary Term and Continuing Contract 28 Probationary Term 28 Continuing Contract 28 Licensed Staff Assignments and Transfers 28 Assignment 28 Reassignments/Transfers 28 Evaluation of Licensed Staff 28 Resignation of Staff Members 28 Licensed Staff Discipline 28 Probation and Dismissal 28 Suspension 28 Non-School Employment by Staff Members 28 Tutoring for Pay 28 Support Staff Employment Status 28 Support Staff Probationary Period 28 Support Staff Assignment and Transfers 28 Use of Private Vehicles for Transporting students 28 Employee Receipt of Handbook 34 5 | Page Introduction Welcome to the Alexandria City Public Schools. The Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) Employee Handbook is a guide to help every employee understand the programs, policies and procedures of ACPS. It is the employee’s responsibility to read and comply with the requirements contained therein as well as any future edits or revisions to this handbook. Additionally, we inform that each and every employee is responsible to review and follow ACPS School Board Policies which are posted at www.acps.k12.va.us/policy. For any questions about this handbook please contact your HR customer service representative. A note in regards to the COVID-19 public health situation: We inform all employees that division policies, procedures and practices may change to address the impact of the pandemic on our staff and community. Please be sure to stay informed and contact your immediate supervisor for assistance. For the latest in ACPS information about the COVID-19 response plan click here. Campus Surveillance Video Public Notice The Alexandria City Public School District utilizes video surveillance equipment to ensure the safety and security in its facilities. Employees of the Alexandria City Public Schools are hereby notified that surveillance equipment may record their actions in offices, buildings or campus grounds. These recordings from the surveillance equipment may then be utilized to review respective incidents that may occur to include employee conduct and work behavior. About ACPS - Fast Facts Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) serves more than 15,500 students who hail from more than 118 countries and speak 120 languages. ACPS has 20 schools, including two middle schools, two preK-8 schools and the internationally recognized T.C. Williams High School. ACPS is committed to ensuring that each and every student succeeds. The ACPS Vision, Mission, Values and Goals Vision: Empowering all students to thrive in a diverse and ever-changing world. Mission: Ensure success by inspiring students and addressing barriers to learning. Five core values ensure ACPS is: ● Welcoming, ● Empowering, ● Equity-Focused, ● Innovative and ● Results-Driven. 6 | Page Five strategic goals: ● Systemic Alignment; ● Instructional Excellence; ● Student Accessibility and Support; ● Strategic Resource Allocation; and ● Family and Community Engagement. Organizational Chart and Structure The following chart outlines the Alexandria City School Board organizational structure. 7 | Page The Five-Year Strategic Plan: ACPS