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BACK to Grapevine HOME | Shen HOME STAFF/PERSONNEL
Posted on April 9, 2008 What are the requirements to be a substitute teacher and how do you apply?
The following is the procedure to apply to substitute teach at Shenendehowa:
Posted on March 31, 2008 Is it district policy for Shen employees (maintenance, grounds) to drive district plow trucks home? Recently before a predicted snowstorm I saw a plow truck in a residential driveway.
The district does allow certain individuals the use of assigned vehicles. These individuals are on 24-hour call to handle urgent and emergency situations where a quick response time is essential. This includes Busing issues such as accidents, weather related issues such as adverse weather conditions and other instances such as utility interruptions where urgent corrective measures are essential.
Posted on March 18, 2008 What is the procedure a parent is to follow when it appears that papers/tests are graded incorrectly/unfairly? Please provide the appropriate action the parent should implement.
The first point of communication is with the teacher. If there is still a disagreement, you should contact the academic administrator of the particular department at the gr. 6-12 level or the building principal at the gr. K-5 level.
Posted on March 13, 2008 As district staff is paid by our tax dollars is it possible to post how many times a staff member is absent? You do track and post the absenteeism of students.
We do not publicly post absenteeism for any individuals, teachers or students. Data is confidentially tracked and monitored for purposes of assessing trends and for identify areas of need of intervention.
Posted on March 12, 2008 I do not understand why teachers cannot be administrators? I have learned so much from some of the administrators when they were teachers.
The reason that administrators cannot be teachers is because one of their responsibilities is to evaluate teachers and it can become a conflict of interest.
Posted on March 12, 2008 Is it true that that not all Shenendehowa schools have special educators specifically assigned to each grade?
Yes. Special educators are in each building, however, their assignment is based on the number and needs of the children in that building.
Posted on March 11, 2008 What is our district doing specifically to increase staff diversity? You're March 5th response sounds "pretty."
First, the board of education has adopted a revised personnel policy that clearly defines the goal of hiring a diverse workforce. The district recruitment and hiring manual has been revised accordingly. Second, the human resource department is in the process of identifying places and methods of better advertising to a more diverse pool of applicants. Third, the district has and will continue to openly discuss the importance of providing students will a more diverse experience that is embodied by a more diverse workforce. As with most endeavors, positive constructive suggestions are welcomed and embraced.
Posted on March 5, 2008 Is it true that Shenendehowa is implementing an affirmative action based quota system in hiring to increase staff diversity?
No. However, the district does recognize the benefits to students in providing the opportunity to have meaningful interactions with a wide variety of people from all different backgrounds. With that being said, one of the goals for the district is as follows: "Actively engage in broadening the diversity of district personnel so as to support the empowerment of students to actively participate in an increasingly economically and culturally diverse school, community and global society."
Posted on March 5, 2008 Will microwaves, toasters, coffee pots and refrigerators be removed from faculty workrooms next year?
Not necessarily. The district has been collaborating with the insurance company and the fire inspector to formulate protocols regarding the presence of electronic devices brought from home by staff for use in classrooms. That is the focus right now. There is a clear recognition that there are items in faculty rooms that have been purchased and that there is a need for certain electronics in designated areas. A comprehensive memo outlining the new protocols will be distributed soon.
Posted on March 5, 2008 Today my son told me that as part of a "demonstration" in (teacher's name removed) class three students had to stand in the corner for the entire class at the high school. How is this an acceptable way of teaching?
Specific personnel-related matters will not be discussed in a public domain, such as this blog. Any and all concerns about behaviors or decisions of any school employee should be directed to the building principal.
Posted on March 5, 2008 Why is it that teachers are allowed to answer their Cell Phone's in class or use their Cell phone's during a lunch period or free period while my child cannot?
There are many reasons why the district restricts the use of all electronic devices by students (i.e. distractions, disciplinary problems, safety, theft, loss). Teachers should not be using cell phones in classroom during class time.
Posted on March 5, 2008 What is the arrival policy for aides and monitors when there is a snow delay?
Aides and monitors are expected to arrive at work on time but are given up to 30 minutes of leeway should they be late due to extenuating conditions outside their control (e.g., emergency at home, slow travel on roadways).
Posted on March 5, 2008 On a two-hour delay, how is regular staff monitored as to whether they come in at the regular time or come in sometime during that period?
Aides and monitors are to report in to the building secretary or designee who then records the time. They cannot be made to sign in (mandatory subject of negotiations).
Posted on March 5, 2008 What are the credentials required to be a hall monitor in the high school?
Monitor positions are Civil Service labor class. A high school diploma is required, but there is no formal background or training requirement.
Posted on February 29, 2008 Are there any plans to change the work day calendar for 12 month clerical positions within the school buildings now that administration does not work on school vacations, snow days and limited days in summer months?
Posted on February 24, 2008 What is the district policy for having refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers in the elementary classrooms? Many of these items have been acquired using book club points. I understand that these items are OK if the district purchased them.
Posted on February 24, 2008 I heard a staff member was arrested for DWI. What happens to that person?
Posted on February 15, 2008 What is the status of the suit filed by the parents of the Okte teacher against the district?
It is ongoing but cannot be addressed further because it is a legal matter.
Posted on February 15, 2008 What is the policy on the number of days off a district employee is allowed--either vacation or sick leave? At what point would absences become excessive enough for the district to take notice?
Benefits such as sick/vacation leave for employees are based on contractual obligations negotiated through the collective bargaining process.
Posted on February 11, 2008 What do you do if you can't get an issue resolved with a building principal?
The matter can be brought to the attention of the superintendent. However, the goal will still be to resolve it at the building level and the principal will still be involved in any resolution.
Posted on February 11, 2008 If there are concerns or complaints about substitutes, who do we go to?
The building principal.
Posted on February 7, 2008 As the campaign for president moves forward, what is the protocol or expectations for teachers and students with regard to sharing beliefs and opinions on candidates and issues?
With regard to teachers, Board of Education Policy #6430 states: Teachers may not use their classrooms or school surroundings as a means to promote their personal political views and beliefs. However, teachers are encouraged to address issues of current events for their instructional and informational value to students, to invite public and/or political figures to visit the classroom as a community resource and to motivate students to participate in the political process. With regards to students, case law has ruled many times that students should have the ability to exercise their first amendment rights in school.
Posted on February 7, 2008 Can we get a look at the administrative employee contract?
The administrative contract, along with other employee contracts can be found on our human resource page on the website.
Posted on February 11, 2008 Who "grades" employees?
There are established processes and protocols for the evaluation of all district employees. The superintendent is evaluated bi-annually by the Board of Education. The administrators are evaluated annually by the superintendent or designee based on procedures mutually developed and adopted by the district and SAA (Shenendehowa Administrators Association). Teachers are evaluated annually by procedures mutually developed and adopted by the district administration and the STA (Shenendehowa Teachers Association). Other employees in the district are evaluated by their immediate supervisor.
Posted on February 4, 2008 Is the teacher from Okte who pled guilty to sexual abuse still being paid by the school district? Why couldn't the district have investigated the matter and fire him before he pleaded if the facts warranted it?
Posted on February 4, 2008 Will the Okte teacher who pled guilty to sexual abuse be required to pay the money he earned back?
There is nothing in Education Law 3020-a that requires him to pay the money he earned back to the district. Generally, tenured teachers must be given full pay and benefits during a period of suspension pending a final determination of 3020-a charges. This is the case because as a tenured employee, there is a "property interest" in the position and constitutional due process rights require that such an employee be afforded the opportunity for a meaningful hearing prior to the deprivation of that interest. Furthermore, there is case law that indicates that the continued payment of salary and benefits to an employee suspended while 3020-a charges are pending does not constitute an unlawful gift of public funds under the New York State Constitution.
Posted on February 4, 2008 Why are teachers allowed to retire mid year?
There are no rules or regulations that stipulate that a teacher is not able to retire mid-year.
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Archives • Requirements for substitute teachers • Use of district vehicles • Grading concerns • Staff absence • Administrators as teachers • Staff diversity • Absences • Staff diversity • Cell phones • Staff arrival on delay days • 12-month clerical positions • Policy for small appliances • Lawsuit • Sick/vacation leave • Resolving issues • Substitutes • Election • Employee evaluations
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