EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK 2003-2004 03/04

Table of Contents Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………… …………….5 Employee handbook receipt District information……………………………………………………………………………………. .….8 Description of the district Mission statement District goals and objectives Board of trustees Administration School directory Employment…………………………………………………………………………………… ..…………12 Equal employment opportunity Job vacancy announcements Employment after retirement Contract and noncontract employment Searches and alcohol and drug testing First aid and CPR certification Reassignments and transfers Workload and work schedules Notification of parents regarding certification status Performance evaluation Employee involvement Staff development Compensation and benefits………………………………………………........................................17 Salaries, wages, and stipends Paychecks Automatic payroll deposit Payroll deductions Overtime compensation Travel expense reimbursement Health, dental, and life insurance Supplemental insurance benefits Cafeteria plan benefits (Section 125) Unemployment compensation insurance Teacher retirement Tax-shelted annunity Other benefit programs 2

Leaves and absences……………………………………………………..……………………………..22 Personal leave Sick leave Use and recording of sick leave Local leave Sick Leave Pool Temporary disability Absence From Duty forms Family and medical leave Workers’ compensation benefits Assault leave Bereavement leave Jury duty Other court appearances Military leave Employee relations and communications……………………………………………………….…..28 Employee recognition and appreciation District communications Complaints and grievances…………………………………………………………………………..…29 Employee conduct and welfare………………………………………………………………………...31 Standards of conduct Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators and enforceable standards Harassment Sexual harassment Drug-abuse prevention Dietary supplements Reporting suspected child abuse Associations and political activities Safety Meal charges by employees Misuse of compensated time Tobacco use Employee arrests and convictions Possession of firearms and weapons Visitors in the workplace Copyrighted materials Intellectual properties Computer use and data management Seasonal decorations Gifts and favors Asbestos management plan Pest control treatment 3

Use of district vehicle Commercial Drivers License-part time drivers Key Control Parking at District Administrative Offices (CSS) Housekeeping Personal phone calls and cellular telephones Animals in district buildings Rumor control General procedures………………………………………………………………………...……….… …46 Bad weather closing Emergencies Purchasing procedures Name and address changes Personnel records Building use Termination of employment………………………………………………………………….…………48 Resignations Dismissal or nonrenewal of contract employees Dismissal of noncontract employees Exit interviews and procedures Reports to the State Board for Educator Certification Reports concerning court-ordered withholding Student issues………………………………………………………………………………………… .....50 Equal educational opportunities Student records Parent and student complaints Administering medication to students Student discipline Student attendance Hazing School Safety Resources…………………………………………………………………………………… …………….52 School Calendar Helpful Contacts 4

Introduction The purpose of this Employee Handbook is to provide information to employees 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 Deputy Superintendent for Administration. This handbook is neither a contract nor a substitute for the official district policy manual. Nor is it intended to alter the at-will status of noncontract employees in any way. Rather, it is a guide to and a brief explanation of district policies. 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. Policy manuals are located in the Principal’s Office at each campus or the District’s Administrative Offices and are available for employee review during normal working hours. The Mount Pleasant Independent School District’s website has a complete copy of school board policies. The District’s website is NOTE: Employees whose English reading skills are limited may call 903-575-2000 and speak with a Spanish- speaking employee who may assist with an interpretation of provisions of this Employee Handbook. NOTA: Los empleados cuyo conocimiento del inglés es limitado pueden llamar al 903-575-2000 y hablar con un empleado que hable español el cual les traducirá las estipulaciones del Folleto de Empleados. 5