Aledo Independent School District Employee Handbook 2020-2021 If you have difficulty accessing the information in this document because of a disability, please email Lynn McKinney, Deputy Superintendent. 1 Aledo ISD Employee Handbook Revised August 2020 Table of Contents Introduction 5 District Information 6 Description of the District 6 District Website 6 Mission and Vision Statement 6 Board of Trustees 7 Board Meeting Schedule 7 Administration 8 School Calendar 8 Helpful Contacts/School Directory 9 Employment 10 Equal Employment Opportunity 10 Job Vacancy Announcements 10 Employment after Retirement 11 Contract and Noncontract Employment 11 Certification and Licenses 12 Recertification of Employment Authorization 12 Searches and Alcohol and Drug Testing 13 Employees Children at Work 14 Health Safety Training 14 Reassignments and Transfers 15 Workload and Work Schedules 16 Breaks for Expression of Breast Milk 17 Notification to Parents Regarding Qualifications 17 Outside Employment and Tutoring 17 Performance Evaluation 17 Employee Involvement 18 Staff Development 18 Compensation and Benefits 18 Salaries, Wages, and Stipends 18 Paychecks 19 Direct Payroll Deposit 20 Payroll Deductions 20 Timekeeping 20 Overtime Compensation 21 Travel Expense Reimbursement 24 Health, Dental, and Life Insurance 24 Supplemental Insurance Benefits 25 2 Aledo ISD Employee Handbook Revised August 2020 Cafeteria Plan Benefits (Section 125) 25 Workers’ Compensation Insurance 25 Unemployment Compensation Insurance 26 Teacher Retirement 26 Other Benefit Programs 26 Leaves and Absences 26 Personal Leave 29 State Sick Leave 29 Vacation Leave 29 Sick Leave Bank (or Pool) 30 Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)—General Provisions 31 Local Family and Medical Leave Provisions 34 Medical Leave 35 Temporary Disability Leave 36 Workers’ Compensation Benefits 36 Assault Leave 37 Bereavement Leave 37 Jury Duty 37 Compliance with a Subpoena 37 Truancy Court Appearances 37 Religious Observance 38 Military Leave 38 Employee Relations and Communications 38 Employee Recognition and Appreciation 38 District Communications 38 Complaints and Grievances 39 Employee Conduct and Welfare 39 Standards of Conduct 39 Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation 43 Harassment of Students 43 Reporting Suspected Child Abuse 43 Sexual Abuse and Maltreatment of Children 44 Reporting Crime 45 Scope and Sequence 45 Technology Resources 45 Personal Use of Electronic Communications 46 Use of Electronic Communications between Employees, Students and Parents 47 Dress Code 44 Public Information on Private Devices 51 Criminal History and Background Checks 51 3 Aledo ISD Employee Handbook Revised August 2020 Employee Arrests and Convictions 51 Alcohol and Drug-Abuse Prevention 52 Tobacco Products and E-Cigarette Use 52 Fraud and Financial Impropriety 52 Conflict of Interest 53 Gifts and Favors 53 Copyrighted Materials 54 Associations and Political Activities 54 Charitable Contributions 54 Safety 54 Possession of Firearms and Weapons 55 Visitors in the Workplace 55 Asbestos Management Plan 55 Pest Control Treatment 56 General Procedures 56 Bad Weather Closing 56 Emergencies 56 Purchasing Procedures 56 Name and Address Changes 57 Personnel Records 57 Facility Use 57 Employee Operated Camps/Fundraiser 57 Termination of Employment 58 Resignations 58 Dismissal or Nonrenewal of Contract Employees 58 Dismissal of Noncontract Employees 58 Exit Interviews and Procedures 59 Reports to Texas Education Agency 59 Reports Concerning Court-Ordered Withholding 59 Student Issues 60 Equal Educational Opportunities 60 Student Records 60 Parent and Student Complaints 60 Administering Medication to Students 61 Dietary Supplements 61 Psychotropic Drugs 61 Student Conduct and Discipline 61 Student Attendance 62 Bullying 62 Hazing 65 4 Aledo ISD Employee Handbook Revised August 2020 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 Lynn McKinney, Deputy Superintendent. This handbook is neither a contract nor a substitute for the official district policy manual. Nor is it intended to alter the at-will status of noncontract employees in any way. Rather, it is a guide and a brief explanation of district policies and procedures related to employment. These policies and procedures can change at any time; these changes shall supersede any handbook provisions that are not compatible with the change. For more information, employees may refer to the policy codes that are associated with handbook topics, confer with their supervisor, or call the appropriate district office. District policies can be accessed on line at https://www.aledoisd.org/. Select the District Information link and then the Policy On Line. 5 Aledo ISD Employee Handbook Revised August 2020 DISTRICT INFORMATION Description of the District The Aledo Independent School District is a fast-growing district, covering 131.13 square miles in the eastern portion of Parker County. The District’s boundaries cover many acres of ranch/farm land and residential developments. The cities of Aledo, Annetta, North Annetta, and South Annetta, are included in the District’s boundaries as well as a portion of Hudson Oaks, Willow Park, Benbrook, Fort Worth and Weatherford. Since 1999, the District has grown from a total enrollment of 2913 to over 6000 students. District Web Site Aledo ISD’s web site address is https://www.aledoisd.org/ Central Administration / Campus Listing Central Administration Superintendent 817-441-5110 Curriculum/Instruction & Professional Dev. 817-441-5199 Business Office 817-441-5111 Assessment & Accountability 817-441-5161 Special Programs 817-441-5199 Human Resources 817-441-8327 Aledo High School 817-441-8711 The Learning Center 817-441-5176 Don Daniel 9th Grade Campus 817-441-4504 Aledo Middle School 817-441-5198 McAnally Intermediate 817-441-8347 Vandagriff Elementary 817-441-8771 Coder Elementary 817-441-6095 Stuard Elementary 817-441-5103 McCall Elementary 817-441-4500 Walsh Elementary 817-207-3355 Police/Technology Center 817-441-5184 Additional listings are located under Helpful Contacts. 6 Aledo ISD Employee Handbook Revised August 2020 Mission Statement Policy AE The mission of the Aledo Independent School District is to provide all students with an educational program developing intellectually, physically, and socially to be responsible citizens and contributing members of society. Inherent within this mission is the belief that all students can learn and that schools can make a difference in the lives of their students. Vision Statement Growing Greatness through exceptional experiences that empower learners for life. Board of Trustees Policies BA, BB Series, BD Series & 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, facilities, and expansions. 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. Board members are elected annually by place and serve three-year terms. Board members serve without compensation, must be qualified voters, and must reside in the District. The District outlines the method for Board of Trustee elections in Board policy BBB (LOCAL). Current board members include: Hoyt Harris, President Jennifer Taylor Jennifer Loftin, Vice President Julie Turner Forrest Collins, Secretary Jessica Brown David Lear The Board usually meets the third Monday every month at 6:00 p.m. in the boardroom at the Administration Building. Special meetings may be called when necessary. A written notice of regular and special meetings will be posted on the District website and at each campus 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 one-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. 7 Aledo ISD Employee Handbook Revised August 2020 Board Meeting Schedule for 2020-2021 September 21, 2020 October 19, 2020 November 16, 2020 December 14, 2020 January 19, 2021 February 15, 2021 March 22, 2021 April 19, 2021 May 18, 2021 June 21, 2021 July 19, 2021 August 16, 2021 Administration Dr. Susan Bohn, J.D., Superintendent Lynn McKinney, Deputy Superintendent Amber Crissey, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction Earl Husfeld, Chief Financial Officer Scott Kessel, Executive Director of Student Services Sherry Taylor, Executive Director of Human Resources Mercedes Mayer, Director of Communications The 2020-2021 School Calendar can be found on