Board approves teacher contracts, benefits for 2015-16

At its meeting last night the Governing Board approved teacher contracts and a benefits for the 2015-16 school year.

Teachers can access their contracts online through the employee contract page in iVisions.

Once you're in iVisions:

• Enter you network user name and password (the same user name and password you use to log into your computer or email account);
• Select "Employee Resources" located at the upper left hand of the screen;
• From the drop down menu select "Employee Contract" (click here to see screen shots of this process).

You can view your contract by selecting "view." You will need to accept or reject the terms of the contract, acknowledge the liquidated damages fee statement, select the method of pay (26, Equal Payments or Year-Round) and submit electronically. Even if you reject the terms of the contract you still must select the method of payment and acknowledge the liquidated damages fee statement. A copy of your contract will be available in iVisions for you to reference under "Employee resources" — "Profile" — "Documents."

The salary noted reflects your salary for the 2014-15 school year and includes the 2014-15 Governing Board pay increase as well as any awarded professional growth amount if you were eligible. Salaries for 2015-16 have not yet been determined. Human Resources will notify you of your adjusted salary should the Governing Board approve any salary increases for next year.

Deadlines for Submitting Contracts:

• Teachers — April 3
• Achievement Advisors — April 3
• Certified Non-Teacher (SELS, SLP and SLT) — April 3
• Psychologist— April 13

Benefits

In addition the Board approved next year’s benefits package. Although GESD’s insurance trust recommended an increase in employee rates by 8.7 percent, the District declined to do so, and instead will cover the cost. Covering the cost represents, on average, an increase of $581.22 in insurance benefits for GESD employees. The District was able to absorb this cost by managing claims more efficiently during the past year.

In addition to the increase in insurance, the District was also able to negotiate a more robust dental plan with Delta Dental. The plan now covers all costs for preventative dental care, even with premiere dentists.

For tips on how to slash your medical bills, please see the latest edition of the Benefits News.

Payroll news and reminders

Contract season is here and the Payroll Department wants to provide you with a few related reminders and options.

Balance of Contract

Balance of Contract amounts will be paid via the same method employees elected to receive their regular pays. Those who have direct deposit will receive their balance of contract via direct deposit; those who get live checks will receive a live check. 

Performance Pay

The first half of 2014-15 Performance Pay is scheduled to be paid to eligible employees on July 2. For those wishing to bridge the gap until the first regular pay of the new school year, the Payroll Department is offering July 30 as an alternate date to receive this performance pay. Payment will be issued via the employee’s regular pay method (direct deposit or live check). A Payroll Selection Form will be made available before the end of the school year.

Year-Round Pay

GESD is one of only a few school districts to offer this pay option to its employees, and we feel it is a valuable service open to both certified and classified staff who work less than 12 months per year. We encourage you to consider this option to help offset future “delayed-pay effects” of working almost a month before receiving your first paycheck each year.

Noteworthy Dates/Important Reminders

• May 21 — Pay #23 for Pay Period Ending May 8 for All Employees
• May 28 — Last Day of School
• May 29 — Teacher Workday/Checkout
• June 4 — Pay #24 for Pay Period Ending May 22 for All Employees
• June 18 — Pay #25 for Pay Period Ending June 5 for All Employees  PLUS Balance of Contract for Teachers/Employees Whose Work Calendars End this Period
• July 2, 2015 — First Half of SY 14-15 Performance Pay to Eligible Employees
• July 16 — Pay #26 for Pay Period Ending June 30 for 12-Month Employees and Teachers/Others Who Chose Year-Round-Pay Option First Pay of FY 2015-16 for Pay Period Ending July 3 for 12-month Employees
• July 27— New Teachers Report for Induction Training
• July 3 — Optional Date to Receive First Half of SY 14-15 Performance Pay
• Aug. 3 — Returning Teachers Report for Orientation/Training
• Aug. 10 — First Day of School
• Aug. 13 — Final FY 14-15 Pay for Employees Who Chose Year-Round Pay Option; First Pay for New Teachers
• August 27 — First Pay for Returning Teachers and Other School-Term Staff

Please contact the Payroll Department at ext. 7105 if you have any questions.

Wellness program has a full slate of offerings

Whether you’re looking for a good hike, to have some fun with Pinterest, participate in a weight loss challenge, or, heaven forbid, prepare for a disaster, you’ll want to check out the slate of programs being offered after Spring Break by your Wellness Program. For more information contact Davita Solter.