EMPLOYEEHANDBOOK2003-2004Table of ContentsIntroduction.5Employee handbook receiptDistrict information.8Description of the districtMission statementDistrict goals and objectivesBoard of trusteesAdministrationSchool directoryEmployment.12Equal employment opportunityJob vacancy announcementsEmployment after retirementContract and noncontract employmentSearches and alcohol and drug testingFirst aid and CPR certificationReassignments and transfersWorkload and work schedulesNotification of parents regarding certification statusPerformance evaluationEmployee involvementStaff developmentCompensation and benefits.17Salaries, wages, and stipendsPaychecksAutomatic payroll depositPayroll deductionsOvertime compensationTravel expense reimbursementHealth, dental, and life insuranceSupplemental insurance benefitsCafeteria plan benefits (Section 125)Unemployment compensation insuranceTeacher retirementTax-shelted annunityOther benefit programsLeaves and absences.22Personal leaveSick leaveUse and recording of sick leaveLocal leaveSick Leave PoolTemporary disabilityAbsence From Duty formsFamily and medical leaveWorkers compensation benefitsAssault leaveBereavement leaveJury dutyOther court appearancesMilitary leaveEmployee relations and communications.28Employee recognition and appreciationDistrict communicationsComplaints and grievances.29Employee conduct and welfare.31Standards of conductCode of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators and enforceable standardsHarassmentSexual harassmentDrug-abuse preventionDietary supplements Reporting suspected child abuseAssociations and political activitiesSafetyMeal charges by employeesMisuse of compensated timeTobacco useEmployee arrests and convictionsPossession of firearms and weaponsVisitors in the workplaceCopyrighted materialsIntellectual propertiesComputer use and data managementSeasonal decorationsGifts and favorsAsbestos management planPest control treatmentUse of district vehicleCommercial Drivers License-part time driversKey ControlParking at District Administrative Offices (CSS)HousekeepingPersonal phone calls and cellular telephonesAnimals in district buildingsRumor controlGeneral procedures.46Bad weather closingEmergenciesPurchasing proceduresName and address changesPersonnel recordsBuilding useTermination of employment.48ResignationsDismissal or nonrenewal of contract employeesDismissal of noncontract employeesExit interviews and proceduresReports to the State Board for Educator CertificationReports concerning court-ordered withholdingStudent issues.50Equal educational opportunitiesStudent recordsParent and student complaintsAdministering medication to studentsStudent disciplineStudent attendanceHazingSchool SafetyResources.52School CalendarHelpful ContactsIntroductionThe 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 Principals Office at each campus or the Districts Administrative Offices and are available for employee review during normal working hours.The Mount Pleasant Independent School Districts website has a complete copy of school board policies. The Districts website is www.mpisd.netNOTE: 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 conoci