SCHUYLKILL INTERMEDIATE UNIT 29 SCHUYLKILL TECHNOLOGY CENTERS. EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK Effective January 1, 2013

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1 SCHUYLKILL INTERMEDIATE UNIT 29 SCHUYLKILL TECHNOLOGY CENTERS EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK Effective January 1, Maple Avenue, PO Box 130 Mar Lin, PA (570)

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Acceptable Use Policy 14 Arrest/Conviction Report Act Balance of Contract Calculation 9 Bereavement Leave 16 Bi-Weekly Salary Calculation 7 Board of Directors 3 Board/Committee Meetings 3 Child Rearing Leave 19 Continuing Professional Development Act Contract Days 5 Contract Year 5 Direct Deposit 9 Disability Insurance (Income Protection) 11 Dress Code Policy 13 Electronic Mail/Internet Form 14 Emergency or Personal Leave 15 Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 20 Family and Medical Leave Act of Federal Criminal History Record Act 114 (Fingerprinting) 20 Group Insurance 10 Introduction 3 Jury Duty 18 Legal Action Leave 18 Life Insurance 11 Maternity Leave 19 Military Service Leave 20 Payroll Deductions (Voluntary Deductions) 9 Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance 21 Pennsylvania Criminal History Background Check Act Personal Leave 15 Public School Employee Retirement System Contribution 12 Public School Employee Retirement System Vesting Eligibility 13 Public School Employees Retirement System - Eligibility 11 Recognition 4 Residency Certification Form 22 Right to Know Law 22 Sabbatical Leave for Professional Development 20 Sabbatical Leave for Restoration of Health 20 Salary Determination 6 School Personnel Health Record 21 Sick Leave 14 Smoke Free Facilities 22 Tax Sheltered Annuities 403(b) 10 Travel Reimbursement 13 Tuition Reimbursement 13 Vacation Leave 18 Worker s Compensation Policy 13 W-4 Employee s Withholding Allowance Certificate 21 2

3 Introduction The Schuylkill Intermediate Unit is one of twenty-nine educational service agencies established by the Legislature in The purpose of these service agencies is to provide a program of mandated services that would be cost effective and efficient for meeting the educational needs of the school districts within the geographic region. The program of services mandated in the act and provided by the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit to school districts within its service area includes, but is not limited to, continuing education, curriculum development, pupil personnel, educational planning, federal and state liaison, management support and instructional materials services for public schools as well as counseling, remedial mathematics and reading, psychological and itinerant speech and language services for non-public schools and special education services for all special needs children. In addition, the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit serves as the operating agency that provides a vocation-technical education program for the twelve school districts within the geographic region. The services provided by the intermediate unit to its component school districts are financially supported by local, state and federal tax dollars. The geographic region served by the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit consists of the following school districts: Blue Mountain School District, Mahanoy Area School District, Minersville Area School District, North Schuylkill School District, Pine Grove Area School District, Pottsville Area School District, Saint Clair Area School District, Schuylkill Haven Area School District, Shenandoah Valley School District, Tamaqua Area School District, Tri-Valley School District and Williams Valley School District. The Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 Board of Directors is comprised of one representative from each of the member districts of Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29. Board members are appointed by the sending district and serve a three year term. The Board of Directors meets on the first Monday of each month, with exception of September and January, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the Education Center for Exceptional Children. The Committee of the Whole meets on the same day as the Board Meeting from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room. The Schuylkill Technology Centers offer secondary and postsecondary vocational programs for students and residents of the geographic region and beyond. Trade, Industrial and Technical programs are offered to students of the member districts in grades 10, 11 and 12 in two ninety day cycles. Postsecondary programs are offered in heavy equipment, commercial driver license, practical nursing, certified nurse assistant and electromechanical. 3

4 Recognition As an employee of Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 or the Schuylkill Technology Centers, the position you hold is recognized under a bargaining unit contract, Act 93 compensation plan or support staff compensation plan. Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 and Exceptional Children s Program Professional Personnel The Pennsylvania State Education Association of Schuylkill Intermediate Unit is the recognized bargaining agent for the professional teaching employees under Pennsylvania Law (Acts 88, 195 and all other applicable laws) providing for collective bargaining for public employees. Schuylkill Technology Centers Professional Personnel The Schuylkill County Area Vocational Technical Education Association, a local affiliate of the Pennsylvania State Education Association, is recognized by the Schuylkill County Area Vocational Technical School Operating Agency as the bargaining agent for professional teaching employees under Pennsylvania Law (Acts 88, 195 and all other applicable laws) providing for collective bargaining for public employees. Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 and Schuylkill Technology Centers Support Personnel The Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 Education Support Personnel Association, a local affiliate of the Pennsylvania State Education Association and the National Education Association, is recognized as the exclusive bargaining agent for all nonprofessional employees as certified by the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board. Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 and Schuylkill Technology Centers Program Director, Administrator and Supervisor Personnel Program Directors, Program Administrators and Program Supervisors are recognized as positions classified under Act 93 and Section 24 PS of the Pennsylvania School Code of 1949 as amended. Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 and Schuylkill Technology Centers Support Staff Personnel Full-time and part-time positions that are not covered by a recognized bargaining unit or Act 93 Plan are recognized as positions classified under the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 Support Staff Compensation Plan. 4

5 Contract Year/Contract Days Schuylkill Intermediate Unit and Exceptional Children s Program Professional Personnel The contract year for the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit and Exceptional Children s Program Professional Personnel covers the period September 1 through August 31. Refer to the collective bargaining agreement for total contract days. Schuylkill Technology Centers Professional Personnel The contract year for the Schuylkill Technology Centers Professional Personnel covers the period September 1 through August 31. Refer to the collective bargaining agreement for total contract days. Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 and Schuylkill Technology Centers Support Personnel The contract year for the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 and Schuylkill Technology Centers Support Personnel covers the periods as follows: Twelve month employee: July 1 through June 30 Ten month employee: September 1 through August 31 or July 1 through June 30 The scheduled work days are outlined in the current bargaining agreement by job classification. Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 and Schuylkill Technology Centers Program Director, Administrator and Supervisor Personnel The contract year for the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 and Schuylkill Technology Centers Program Director, Administrator and Supervisor Personnel covers the period July 1 through June 30. The scheduled number of workdays for this group is listed on the approved annual school calendar. 5

6 Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 and Schuylkill Technology Centers Support Staff Personnel The contract year for the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 and Schuylkill Technology Centers Support Staff Personnel is as follows: Twelve month employee: July 1 through June 30 Ten month employee: September 1 through August 31 The scheduled number of workdays for this group is listed on the approved annual school calendar. Salary 1. Determination of Salary Schuylkill Intermediate Unit and Exceptional Children s Program Professional Personnel. Salary increases for employees recognized in this classification are determined by the negotiated collective bargaining unit agreement. Schuylkill Technology Centers Professional Personnel Salary increases for employees recognized in this classification are determined by the negotiated collective bargaining unit agreement. Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 and Schuylkill Technology Centers Support Personnel Salary increases for employees recognized for this classification are determined by the negotiated collective bargaining unit agreement. Act 93 Compensation Plan Personnel Salary increases for employees recognized in this classification are determined by the compensation plan agreement. Support Staff Compensation Plan Personnel Salary increases for employees recognized in this classification are determined by the compensation plan agreement. 6

7 2. Bi-Weekly Salary Calculation A. Twelve Month Personnel Bi-weekly gross pay is calculated by dividing the employee s annual salary by the number of bi-weekly pays in each fiscal year. A fiscal year covers the period July 1 through June 30. Each bi-weekly pay does not define a specific number of days; rather, it is one of the total number of biweekly pays for each fiscal year. B. Ten Month Professional Personnel (1) First year starting at beginning of the school year Bi-weekly gross pay is calculated by dividing the annual salary by the number of pay dates from September 1 through August 31. Example: $42, Annual Salary 26 Bi-Weekly Pays $42,000 divided by 26 equals $1, gross bi- weekly. (2) Starting during the school year Bi-weekly gross pay is calculated by the following process: a. Divide the annual salary by the number of days scheduled in the bargaining unit contract for a first year employee to calculate the per diem rate. b. Calculate the number of teaching days remaining in first year plus in service and additional days. c. Multiply the per diem rate times the total number of days scheduled for the employee to determine the adjusted gross annual salary. d. Determine the number of remaining scheduled pays from the start date to the last pay date in August. e. Divide the adjusted gross annual salary by the number of remaining pays for the fiscal year to determine the biweekly pay. Example: October 18 th Start Date $42, Annual Salary 190 Contract Days 7

8 C. Ten Month Support Personnel 173 Contract Days Remaining 23 Remaining Pays $42, divided by 190 multiplied by 173 divided by 23 equals $1, gross bi-weekly. Employees in this classification are paid by time sheet. Each employee must complete a time sheet for a two week period, submit the time sheet to the immediate supervisor and forward it to the Business Office for processing. Employees paid by time sheet will be two weeks behind throughout the year, with final pay to be made on the last schedule pay date following the last date on the time sheet. The gross bi-weekly pay is calculated by multiplying the total number of hours worked as reported on the time sheet by the employee s hourly rate of pay. D. Long Term Professional Substitute Personnel Employees in this classification are paid by time sheet. Each employee must complete a time sheet for a two week period, submit the time sheet to the immediate supervisor and forward it to the Business Office for processing. Employees paid by time sheet will be two weeks behind throughout the year, with final pay to be made on the last schedule pay following the last date on the time sheet. Bi-weekly gross pay is calculated as follows: (1) Divide the annual salary by the total number of teaching days and scheduled in-service days to determine the per diem rate. (2) Multiply the number of days worked as reported on the time sheet by the per diem rate. Example: $42, annual salary 190 contract days $42, divided by 190 days equals $ Per Diem Rate. 8

9 3. Balance of Contract In the event of retirement, death or termination, for ten month employees, prior to the end of a contact or fiscal year, the final salary payment for the employee shall be calculated as follows: a. Divide the annual salary by the number of days scheduled in the bargaining unit contract for the employee classification to calculate the per diem rate. b. Calculate the number of teaching and in service days worked by the employee. c. Multiply the per diem rate times the total number of days worked by the employee to determine the maximum gross wages for the period. d. Determine the number of payments received by the employee for the period. e. Subtract the total payments received by the employee from the maximum gross wages to determine the balance due the employee. Example: February 7th Last Work Day $42, Annual Salary 190 Contract Days 110 Contract Days Worked 11 Pays to date $ $42, divided by 190 contract days $ 1, $42, divided by 26 pays $24, $ multiplied by 110 days $17, $1, multiplied by 11 pays to date $ 6, Balance due employee 4. Direct Deposit Bi-weekly net salary payments for all permanent, full time, part time and substitute employees are processed through direct deposit to a bank account designated by the employee. 5. Payroll Deductions The Schuylkill Intermediate Unit Board of Directors agrees to allow voluntary payroll deductions with employee authorization. Authorized payroll deductions are listed in the employee s collective bargaining agreement or compensation plan. 9

10 6. Tax Sheltered Annuities 403(b) Voluntary deductions for Tax Sheltered Annuities are authorized in accordance with Internal Revenue Service Regulations. Employees wishing to enroll in a Tax Sheltered Annuity Program must complete the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit Tax Sheltered Annuity Contract and Agreement. Employees should visit the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit Business Office to complete all necessary documents. More information and participating 403(b) providers are available on our website. Benefits Group Insurance Eligibility is defined as full time employees or employees who work two part-time positions, such as, but not limited to, a part-time classroom aide also working as a parttime bus aide. The Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 and the Schuylkill Technology Centers Board of Directors provides medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage for all eligible employees as outlined in the descriptions on our website. The Board provides coverage by job classification for the employee, spouse and or dependent(s). Dependents are covered for full coverage through the employee until age 19 or until age 23 if attending a college, university or trade school full-time. Dental and Vision coverage ends at age 19 unless the dependent is a full time student. At the time of graduation or age 23, whichever occurs first, the dental and vision coverage ends. Medical coverage continues for all dependent children until age 26, if needed. Both the employer and our health insurance carrier must be notified of a dependent s student status when they reach age 19. Forms are available on our website to report this information. The Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29, the Schuylkill Technology Centers and several member districts are members of the Schuylkill County School Employees Health and Welfare Trust for group insurance coverage. Prescription Drug Coverage Co-Pay is defined by job classification document. All employees are required to pay a premium share for medical, dental and vision coverage. The premium share is defined in the current plans and collective bargaining agreement for each classification. 10

11 Part-time employees are not eligible for board paid coverage and are not permitted to purchase coverage through the Schuylkill Trust. Upon resignation or termination, employees will receive a COBRA qualifying event letter outlining the employee, spouse and dependents rights for the purchase of coverage through the Schuylkill Trust. Life Insurance Coverage Eligibility is defined as full-time employees or employees who work two part-time positions, such as, but not limited to, a part-time classroom aide also working as a parttime bus aide. The Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 and the Schuylkill Technology Centers Board of Directors provides life insurance coverage for all eligible employees only as outlined in plans and the current collective bargaining agreements. Coverage for spouse and dependent children is not available through this plan. Disability Insurance (Income Protection) Eligibility is defined as full-time employees or employees who work two part-time positions, such as, but not limited to, a part-time classroom aide also working as a parttime bus aide. The Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 and the Schuylkill Technology Centers Board of Directors provides disability insurance, commonly referred to as income protection for all eligible employees only as outlined in the plans and current collective bargaining agreements. To be eligible for the disability insurance, the employee must be totally disabled. Public School Employees Retirement System Contribution (PSERS) All employees of Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 and the Schuylkill Technology Centers are required to enroll in the Public School Employees Retirement System and defined as follows:. Eligible for Membership is defined as: (1) Full-Time Employee working 5 hours or more a day, 5 days a week or its equivalent (25 or more hours a week). (2) Part-Time Salaried Employees contracted to work less than 5 hours a day, 5 days a week or its equivalent (less than 25 hours a week). 11

12 (3) Part-Time Hourly employees work less than 5 hours a day or its equivalent of 25 hours a week and are hired and paid on an hourly basis. (4) Part-Time Per Diem employees work less than 5 days a week. A work day must be a minimum of 5 hours to be considered a full day and are hired and paid on a day-to-day basis. (5) Part-Time employment with Several School Employers working for several employers may qualify for an individual membership in PSERS based on combined service. Part-time employee (salaried, hourly or per diem) may waive membership in PSERS provided the part-time employee has an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) and completes and submits a PSERS Waiver by Part-Time Employee Covered by IRA Account (PSRS-51). Employee Contribution is a percent of salary as follows: A Class T-C member who enrolled in PSERS before July 22, 1983, has a contribution rate of 5.25 percent. A Class T-D member who enrolled in PSERS before July 22, 1983, has a contribution rate of 6.50 percent. A Class T-C member who enrolled on July 22, 1983 through and including June 30, 2011, will have a contribution rate of 6.50 percent. A Class T-D member who enrolled on July 22, 1983 through and including June 30, 2011, will have contribution rate of 7.50 percent. Those who become members for the first time on or after July 1, 2011, may choose between two classes of membership in PSERS, and therefore, two different base contribution rates. New members electing Class T-E: The base employee contribution rate is 7.5% with shared risk (See An Explanation of Shared Risk on this page) contribution levels that may fluctuate between 7.5% and 9.5%. New members electing Class T-F: The base employee contribution rate is 10.3% (base rate) with shared risk (See An Explanation of Shared Risk on this page) contribution levels that may fluctuate between 10.3% and 12.3%. 12

13 Vesting Eligibility As of July 1 st, 2011, an employee automatically qualifies for vesting if they have ten or more years of credited service. Prior to July 1, 2011, an employee may have been vested after five years of service. Tuition Reimbursement The Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 and the Schuylkill Technology Centers Board of Directors provides tuition reimbursement for all eligible employees as outlined in the plans and current collective bargaining agreements. Please refer to the compensation plan or collective bargaining agreement for additional information regarding tuition reimbursement. Travel Reimbursement All employees required to travel during the performance of duty will receive reimbursement for travel and expenses an outlined in the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 Board Policy Manual. The Travel Policy is available for review on the SIU 29 website. Dress Code Policy The Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 and Schuylkill Technology Centers Board of Directors approved a comprehensive Dress Code Policy for all employees of the Intermediate Unit and Schuylkill Technology Centers. It is included in the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 Board Policy Manual. The Dress Code Policy is available on the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit #29 website for review and retention. Worker s Compensation Policy New employees are required to review the Notice of Rights and Duties and the approved Physicians Panel as required under the Workers Compensation Law. Upon review of the Notice of Rights and Duties, the new employee will sign and date the form and the original will be placed in the employees personnel file. All accidents or injuries, regardless of the severity, must be reported to the employer. The injured employee or immediate supervisor, if the employee is unable to do so, must complete the Workers Compensation Report Form and forward it to the Business Office within twenty-four (24) hours from the time of the accident or injury. 13

14 If the condition requires emergency treatment, the employee should report to the Injury Care Unit of the Pottsville Hospital and Warne Clinic. In the event it is necessary for the injured employee to seek treatment at the nearest emergency facility, the employee must schedule a follow-up treatment with the approved panel provider. Acceptable Use Policy The Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 and the Schuylkill Technology Centers Board of Directors approved an Acceptable Use of Computers, Network, Internet, Electronic Communications and Information Policy. New employees will receive a copy of the policy for review and retention. After reviewing the policy, the employee is required to review the Acknowledgment and Consent Form, then sign and date the Acknowledgment Form. The form will be placed in the employee personnel file. Electronic Mail/Internet Form Upon review of the Acceptable Use Policy and signing the Acknowledgment Form, all employees are required to complete the Schuylkill IU 29 Electronic Mail/Internet Form. This form, when processed by the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit Technology Department, will provide the employee with access to the internet and the capability to print pay stubs. Sick Leave Leave of Absence Absence due to sickness or accidental injury shall be in accordance with Section 24 PS of the Pennsylvania School Code of 1949 as amended. Each employee shall be assigned the number of sick leave days available as follows: Twelve month employee: Ten month employee: 12 sick days per year Effective July 1 of each year 10 sick days per year Effective start of each school year In the event an employee does not report on the first day of each fiscal or school year, new sick days will not be available until the employee reports to work. The number of unused sick days is available to each employee on the Employee Portal section of our website. 14

15 Employees may use a maximum of four sick leave days per year for family leave per the Family Leave Policy that is incorporated in the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 Board Policy. Family Leave days may not be accumulated. Each employee may accumulate sick leave days as identified in the employee plan or collective bargaining unit agreement. Please refer to the sick leave policies posted on our website under Approved Board Policies for additional information. Emergency or Personal Leave Schuylkill Intermediate Unit and Exceptional Children s Program Professional Personnel Three (3) days of emergency leave and/or personal leave shall be granted each year to each professional teaching employee. Please refer to the collective bargaining agreement for additional information. Schuylkill Technology Centers Professional Personnel Three (3) days of emergency and /or personal leave shall be granted each year to each professional teaching employee. Please refer to the collective bargaining agreement for additional information. Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 and Schuylkill Technology Centers Support Personnel Each full-time and regular part-time employee shall be entitled to three (3) personal and/or emergency leave days per year without loss of pay subject to the stipulations in the collective bargaining agreement. Please refer to the agreement for additional information. Act 93 Compensation Personnel and Support Staff Compensation Personnel Each employee will receive three (3) days per year. The maximum accumulation for unused days will be six (6) days. Unused days beyond the maximum will be converted to sick days annually. 15

16 Bereavement Leave Schuylkill Intermediate Unit and Exceptional Children s Program Professional Personnel In the event of the death of a member of the immediate family, all professional employees shall be allowed five (5) working days absence without loss of pay. The term immediate family shall include: father, mother, sister, brother, child, grandchild, husband, wife, parent-in-law, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, stepchild, stepmother, stepfather, near relative who resides in the same household or any person with whom the employee makes his/her home. In the event of the death of a near relative (grandparent, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, cousin or grandparent-in-law) all professional employers shall be granted one (1) days absence without the loss of pay. Schuylkill Technology Centers Professional Personnel Whenever an employee is absent from duty because of a death in the immediate family of said employee, there shall be no deduction in salary of said employee for an absence of five (5) work days beginning with the date of death unless otherwise approved by the Executive Director or designee. Members of the immediate family shall be defined as: father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, husband, wife, grandchild, parent-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, stepchild, stepmother, and stepfather or near relative who resides in the same household, or any person with whom the employee has made his home. Whenever an employee is absent from duty because of a death of a grandfather, grandmother, grandfather-in-law, and grandmother-in-law of said employee, there shall be no deduction in salary of said employee for an absence of three (3) work days beginning with the date of death unless otherwise approved by the Executive Director or designee. Whenever an employee is absent because of the death of a near relative, there shall be no deduction in the salary of said employee for absence on the day of the funeral if the service is scheduled on a work day. A near relative shall be defined as: first cousin, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law. Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 and Schuylkill Technology Centers Support Personnel 16

17 Whenever an employee is absent from duty because of a death in the immediate family of said employee, there shall be no deduction in salary of said employee for an absence of five (5) work days beginning with the date of death unless otherwise approved by the Executive Director or designee. Members of the immediate family shall be defined as: father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, husband, wife, grandchild, parent-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, stepchild, stepmother, and stepfather or near relative who resides in the same household, or any person with whom the employee has made his home. Whenever an employee is absent from duty because of a death of a grandfather, grandmother, grandfather-in-law, and grandmother-in-law of said employee, there shall be no deduction in salary of said employee for an absence of three (3) work days beginning with the date of death unless otherwise approved by the Executive Director or designee. Whenever an employee is absent because of the death of a near relative, there shall be no deduction in the salary of said employee for absence on the day of the funeral if the service is scheduled on a work day. A near relative shall be defined as: first cousin, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law. Part-time employees shall receive the same benefits as the full-time employees. Act 93 Compensation Personnel and Support Staff Compensation Personnel Whenever an employee is absent from duty because of a death in the immediate family of said employee, there shall be no deduction in salary of said employee for an absence of five (5) work days beginning with the date of death unless otherwise approved by the Executive Director or designee. Members of the immediate family shall be defined as: father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, husband, wife, grandchild, parent-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, stepchild, stepmother, and stepfather or near relative who resides in the same household, or any person with whom the employee has made his home. Whenever an employee is absent from duty because of a death of a grandfather, grandmother, grandfather-in-law, and grandmother-in-law of said employee, there shall be no deduction in salary of said employee for an absence of three (3) work days beginning with the date of death unless otherwise approved by the Executive Director or designee. Whenever an employee is absent because of the death of a near relative, there shall be no deduction in the salary of said employee for absence on the day of the funeral if the service is scheduled on a work day. A near relative shall be defined as: first cousin, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law. 17

18 Vacation Leave Twelve month employees shall receive vacation days as outlined in the employee plans or collective bargaining unit agreement. Legal Action Leave Professional Personnel Please refer to the collective bargaining agreement for information. Educational Support Services Personnel Please refer to the collective bargaining agreement for information. Jury Duty Please refer to the collective bargaining agreement or compensation plan for information. Family and Medical Leave Act To be eligible for family or medical leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, an employee must have worked for at least 12 months and worked for at least 1,250 hours during the preceding 12 months. An eligible employee is entitled to 12 work weeks of leave during any 12 month period. Under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, eligible employees are entitled to 12 workweeks of unpaid family and medical leave per year for: The birth of employee s son or daughter and care of the infant. The placement of son or daughter with the employee for adoption or foster care. The care of the employee s spouse, son, daughter or parent with a serious health condition. The employee s own serious health condition which makes the employee unable to perform the function of his or her job. The Family and Medical Leave Act does not distinguish between male or female employees. 18

19 Employees must submit a written request for a leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 explaining the purpose of the leave, length of the leave and when the leave will be taken, for approval by the Board of Directors. Approved leaves maybe taken for the following periods: Twelve consecutive weeks One week periods through the work year A day or days periodically through the work year The Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 and Schuylkill Technology Centers Board of Directors require that, during a leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, the employee shall use all available leave. When an employee is on an approved Family and Medical Leave, the Board shall continue to provide medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage for the employee, spouse and dependent children to a maximum of twelve weeks. The employee has the option to continue purchasing the life insurance coverage during the leave. Should the employee elect not to purchase the coverage, said coverage will be suspended until the employee returns from the leave. In the event the Family and Medical Leave is for the employee s health condition and the employee does not have the necessary amount of sick days remaining, the employee is eligible for benefits under the disability insurance coverage as selected by the employee. Maternity Leave Maternity Leave shall be defined as the period from the date of delivery to a maximum of six weeks for regular delivery and eight weeks for cesarean delivery. In the event an employee, due to medical reasons, must begin a leave prior to the start of a maternity leave, the employee must provide a note from the attending physician and request a medical leave. Following the maternity leave, and the employee is not released by the attending physician, the employee is eligible for disability leave with benefits provided as outlined in the appropriate plans and collective bargaining unit agreement. Child Rearing Leave Employees are eligible for Child Rearing Leave as authorized in the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to a maximum of twelve (12) weeks. 19

20 Sabbatical Leave for Restoration of Health A Sabbatical leave for restoration of health shall be granted in accordance with Section 24 PS and Section 24 PS (b) of the Pennsylvania School Code of 1949 as amended. Leaves of Absence for Professional Development A leave of absence for Professional Development shall be granted in accordance with Section 24 PS of the Pennsylvania School Code of 1949 as amended. Military Service Leave A leave of absence for Military Service in time of war or national emergency shall be granted in accordance with Section 24PS of the Pennsylvania School Code of 1949 as amended and Pennsylvania Military Code, 51 Pa. C.S.A. 4102, Required Forms Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 All employees, citizens and non-citizens, hired after November 6, 1986, must complete Section 1 of Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification at the time of employment. Upon completion of the form, the employee shall provide a copy of the employee s social security card and driver s license, or other acceptable forms of identification, to be attached to Form I-9. Pennsylvania State Criminal History Background Check Act 34 All employees are required to complete Form SP4-164 Request for Criminal Record Check and forward the form and required fee to the Pennsylvania State Police. Upon receiving the form back form the Pennsylvania State Police, the employee must present the original form to the Business Office for review and copy a shall be made for the Business Office file. Employees are required to present the form to the Business Office within thirty days of employment; failure to comply will result in termination. If an employee received a completed form for another employer, the form may be considered by the Business Office if it is dated no more than one year prior to employment with the Intermediate Unit or Schuylkill Technology Centers. Federal Criminal History Record Act 114 Act 114, Section 111 of the Pennsylvania Public School code was amended effective April 1, All prospective employees of public and private schools, Intermediate Units and area vocational-technical schools, including independent contractors and their 20

21 employees who have direct contact with children, must provide the Intermediate Unit a copy of their Federal Criminal History Record that cannot be more than one year old. Employees are required to present the form to the Business Office within ninety days of employment; failure to comply will result in termination. Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance All employees are required to complete Form CY 112 Pennsylvania child Abuse History Clearance and forward the form and required fee to the Pennsylvania State Police. Upon receiving the from back form the Pennsylvania State Police, the employee must present the original form to the Business Office for review and copy shall be made for the Business Office file. Employees are required to present the form to the Business Office within thirty days of employment; failure to comply will result in termination. If an employee received a completed form for another employer, the form may be considered by the Business Office if it is dated no more than one year prior to employment with the Intermediate Unit or Schuylkill Technology Centers. Arrest/Conviction Report and Certification Form Act 24 of 2011 The new law effective September 28, 2011 includes an important mechanism to help ensure that current school employees, who may not have been subject to a previous background check, are now required to provide assurances that they have not been previously arrested or convicted of Section 111(e) offense. Accordingly, under Act 24, all current school employees are required to complete and return to their school administrator or other person responsible for school employment decisions (the School Administrator) a form developed by PDE to report prior arrests or convictions for any offense listed in Section 111(e). This form, PDE-6004, must be completed prior to employment. School Personnel Health Record All employees are required to have a physical prior to employment with the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 or Schuylkill Technology Centers. Employees must have a physician complete form H School Personnel Health Record and submit the original completed form to the Business Office. W-4 Employee s Withholding Allowance Certificate Each employee must complete Form W-4 so that the Business Office can withhold the correct federal income tax from your pay. Because your tax situation may change, you may want to refigure your withholding each year. 21

22 Residency Certification Form Each employee must fill out this form to report essential information for the collection of Local Earned Income Taxes. Right to Know Law In accordance with Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 Public Record Policy, requests for access to public records must be filed with the Executive Director of Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29. Requests must be made in writing and will be acted upon during scheduled business days and regular business hours which are 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Requests must identify the requested record, medium in which the record is requested and the name and address of the person to receive the Intermediate Unit s response. Fees are assessed for the materials requested. Copies of the policy, fee schedules and appeal process maybe obtained from the Office of the Executive Director. Smoke Free Facilities The Schuylkill Intermediate Unit Board of Directors, on August 6, 2007, designated those properties owned, leased or controlled by the Intermediate Unit and that house elementary and/or secondary students as Smoke Free Facilities effective November 15, 2007, the Great American Smoke-Out Day. In additions, all Tobacco Use policies were revised. As a result, effective November 15, 2007, no tobacco products of any kind may be used in any building and on any property, buses, vans and vehicles that are owned, leased or controlled by the Intermediate Unit. The following campuses are included: Schuylkill Intermediate Unit Schuylkill Technology Centers North Campus Schuylkill Technology Centers South Campus Lifelong Learning Center Any employee using tobacco in violation of this policy will be subject to the following: 1 st Offense Conference with Supervisor/Administrator Verbal warning issued. 2 nd Offense Administrative Conference Written warning issued. Further Violations These shall be dealt with accordingly as per the School Code. 22

23 Act 48 Continuing Professional Education Act 48 of 1999 enacted new requirements for professional development. The legislation requires all certified educators to complete six college credits, six credits of continuing professional education courses, 180 clock hours of continuing professional education, or any combination of collegiate studies, continuing professional education courses or learning experiences equivalent to 180 hours every five years. The professional education requirements took effect July 1, 2000 for all certified educators. Educators may view their records by selecting the link to Act 48 Reporting system and selecting the Educators Options box. Effective June 2006, all certified educators were assigned a new 7-digit Professional Personnel ID generated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). The primary use of this ID will be to provide an alternative to Social Security Number for certified educators to use to report and retrieve their Continuing Education credits and hours. The Professional Personnel ID will eventually replace the Social Security Number. This ID is available to educations and public school entities through the Pennsylvania Department of Education web site by selecting the link to Act 48 Reporting System and selecting the Get Your Professional Personnel ID option. Please refer to the Pennsylvania Department of Education website for additional information. 23