GESD: We're ALL In

New equipment leads to implementation of new energy standards

Over the summer the Maintenance and Operations Department began implementation of the District’s Energy Performance Contract through the installation of upgraded lighting; HVAC equipment and the thermostats and other associated controls throughout GESD.

With new equipment comes new energy standards for the District. These standards were initiated so that GESD will meet contracted savings. The savings that result from increased energy efficiencies ultimately pay for these important projects. Most prominent among the changes are new space temperature settings. The settings for all spaces will be 75 degrees when in the cooling mode and 70 degrees when in the heating mode. You should also know that while it appears you can reset the temperature on you room’s thermostat, you actually cannot. Temperatures are monitored and controlled centrally on each campus.

We anticipate some issues will arise when rolling out a large program like this, and we ask for your patience in working to resolve issues as they arise. Be sure to let your administrators know of any issues you may be having with any of these systems. Early notification will allow the District to start the warranty process as quickly as possible, and get any issues resolved quickly.

If you haven’t noticed new systems at your school, you will. Contractors will continue with the installation of motion sensors to control the lighting and HVAC systems throughout this school year. This work will be done exclusively at night and should not disrupt daily operations. Campuses will be notified before work starts, and will be updated regularly on progress once work begins.

In addition to energy savings projects, four schools — Landmark, Imes, Smith and Challenger — had new fire alarm systems installed.

The Maintenance and Operations Department wants you all to know that it’s “All In” to provide all of you with the facilities and operational support you will require this upcoming school year.

Reminder: payroll changes went into effect July 1

The Payroll Department has made several changes for this school year which took effect July 1. They include:

• Delayed payroll — you already are fully aware of this new process which brings the District into compliance with the Arizona Auditor General’s guidelines;
• Biweekly paydays changed from Fridays to Thursdays;
• There is a year-round pay option for salaried employees who work less than 12 months;
• There is also a pro-rated pay option for hourly support staff which allows this group to receive equalized bi-weekly pays in a fashion similar to that for certified; and
• A new method of accruing sick and personal leave for leave-eligible employees.

Please take a few moments to examine your paycheck on Thursday – especially if it is your first one of the school year. We have encountered some unforeseen software issues and discovered the sick leave accrual is not calculating correctly. The accrual adjustment is being made this week and the corrected accruals will appear on the Sept. 11 paystub. You can see the full pay schedule for the 2014-15 school year here.

We also would like to welcome Brenda Long, who has joined GESD as the new payroll supervisor in July.

We thank you for your patience and understanding as these changes are made.

ADE will renew certificates Sept. 30 at the District Office

Teachers who need to renew their certificates can do so at the District Office on Tuesday, Sept. 30 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the District office.

Representatives from the Arizona Department of Education will offer a host of services to employees who need to renew or update their certificates. There is a charge for these services. You can pay with a personal check or money order. Cash will not be accepted.

For more information contact Colleen Dormer at 7107.

Deadline to join Sick Leave Bank is Friday

The deadline for employees to join the Sick Leave Bank is Friday, Aug. 27. If you’re looking for a reason to join, watch the video above.

The Sick Leave Bank holds donated sick days/hours  from those employees who wish to join. Only employees who join can take advantage of the Sick Leave Bank. Days/hours donated can be used for personal or family illness as outlined in current District policy.

Membership in the Sick Back is optional, and is open to any GESD employee who has accumulated 64 hours or more in personal sick-leave time. To join, employees must “deposit” at least one full day of sick leave to the Sick Bank. Employees can donate more than one day of sick time, but all donations to the Sick Bank are final, and members cannot request a refund. All donated hours/days in the back roll over to the following year, and remain in the Sick Bank even if the employee no longer works in GESD.

Once you join, employees can request up to 20 days of sick leave, but only if you have used all of your sick leave, personal leave and vacation time. Employees requesting days must provide the Sick Leave Bank committee with the necessary information to substantiate the needs for additional leave hours.

To join the Sick Bank fill out the Sick Leave Bank form and return it to the Payroll Office by Aug. 27.

Take a Walk for Education Sept. 13

Join your colleagues from throughout Arizona at the Annual Walk For Education Saturday, Sept. 13 at Chase Field before Diamondbacks – Padres game. The walk will begin at 1:30 p.m.

Registration — which includes a ticket to the ball game — is $10 for adults, and $5 for students. Bonus: it’s Paul Goldschmidt Bobble Head Night.

Sponsored by SOSAZ, the Walk for Education will showcase Arizona’s public schools and school systems. Students and schools — including representatives from GESD — will be highlighted throughout the walk and game.

For more information and to register, go SOSAz's Walk For Education website. We’ll see you at the game.

Lee Denim Day set for Oct. 3

For the sixth consecutive year, GESD will participate in Lee Denim Day Oct. 3.

For $5 (or a more generous donation if you wish) you can wear jeans on Oct. 3, and as an extra incentive to students we also ask that you wear a shirt or T-shirt from the college you attended on that day.

Last year District employees raised more than $3,600 during Lee Denim Day, and had its highest participation rate since GESD started taking part in the nation-wide program six years ago. All money raised on Lee Denim Day goes to the American Cancer Society for breast cancer research.

In addition to the wearing jeans, the District is looking for your help to Paint It Pink, where you decorate your classroom, work area or person in — you guessed it — pink to honor breast cancer survivors throughout October. For more information, contact your site Lee Denim Day Coordinator. And if you want to get a jump, you can give online.