Substitute Handbook
1
Board Member Information Ms. Ann Crow
Member
District 1
Ms. Kristin Morrissey
Chairperson
District 2
Mr. Tom Cleveland
Member
District 3
Ms. Darla Light
Member
District 4
Ms. Nancy Roche
Vice Chairperson
District 5
____________________________________________
Regular Meeting Schedule 2018 Board of Education and Professional Development Center 1120 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming, Georgia 30040 January 23
July 17
February 20
August 21
March 20
September 18
April 17
October 16
May 15
November 13
June 19
December 11
All monthly meetings begin at 6:00 PM.
FCS' Vision, Mission, Beliefs and Goals Vision: Quality Learning and Superior Performance for All
Mission: The mission of Forsyth County Schools is to prepare and inspire all students to contribute and excel.
Beliefs: • • • • •
Trust among all stakeholders is vital. Expectations influence accomplishments because everyone has the capacity to learn. A school-community partnership is essential. Change creates opportunity. High-performing leadership makes visions reality.
2013-2016 Strategic Plan Goals:
Instruction Fulfill the expectations of the Learner Profile Human Resources Ensure a highly effective workforce Facility and Safety Services Provide safe and secure facilities that support the needs of students, staff and programs Technology Services Leverage technology for all to increase student learning Operational Services Deliver high quality services that maximize available resources
3
FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOLS 2018 - 2019 School & Address Big Creek Elementary 1994 Peachtree Parkway Cumming, Georgia 30041
School Phone & Fax 770-887-4584 (Fax)770-781-2247
Principal and Assistant Principal(s)
Phone Extension
Laura Webb, Principal lwebb@forsyth.k12.ga.us Kelly Fuchs, A.P.
710127 710125
Brandywine Elementary 175 Martin Drive Alpharetta, Georgia 30004
Todd Smith, Principal tsmith@forsyth.k12.ga.us Michelle Cossette, A.P. Daisy Tremps, A.P.
480138
770-667-2585 (Fax)770-667-2586
Brookwood Elementary 2980 Vaughan Drive Cumming, Georgia 30041
Tracey Smith, Principal tbsmith@forsyth.k12.ga.us Patti Ann Allen, A.P. Gina Burns, A.P.
470119
678-965-5060 (Fax)678-965-5061
Barbara Vella, Principal bvella@forsyth.k12.ga.us Jennifer Williams, A.P.
150105
Polly Tennies, Principal ptennies@forsyth.k12.ga.us Rob Boyd, A.P. Kristen Glass, A.P.
722004
Kimberly Davis, Principal kidavis@forsyth.k12.ga.us Robin Castleberry, A.P.
730107
Chattahoochee Elementary 2800 Holtzclaw Road Cumming, Georgia 30041
Chestatee Elementary 6945 Keith Bridge Road Gainesville, Georgia 30506
Coal Mountain Elementary 3455 Coal Mountain Drive Cumming, Georgia 30028
770-781-2240 (Fax)770-781-2244
770-887-2341 (Fax)770-781-2281
770-887-7705 (Fax)770-781-2286
480428 480134
470224 470115
150111
722203 722430
730109
Cumming Elementary 540 Dahlonega Street Cumming, Georgia 30040
Lee Anne Rice, Principal lrice@forsyth.k12.ga.us Amber Lamb, A.P. Jordan Livermore, A.P.
740514
770-887-7749 (Fax)770-888-1233
Daves Creek Elementary 3740 Melody Mizer Lane Cumming, Georgia 30041
Eric Ashton, Principal eashton@forsyth.k12.ga.us Courtney McKinney, A.P. Jenny Spartz, A.P.
170106
770-888-1222 (Fax)770-888-1223
June Tribble, Principal jtribble@forsyth.k12.ga.us Julie Benvenuto, A.P. Rachael Dooley, A.P.
421010
678-965-5070 (Fax)678-965-5071
Alyssa Degliumberto, Principal
361015
Haw Creek Elementary 2555 Echols Road Cumming, Georgia 30041
Johns Creek Elementary 6205 Old Atlanta Road Suwanee, Georgia 30024
678-965-5041 (Fax)678-475-1725
Kelly Mill Elementary 1180 Chamblee Gap Road Cumming, Georgia 30040
678-965-4953 (Fax) 678-965-4958
740411 740611
170108 170118
421018 421006
adegliumberto@forsyth.k12.ga.us
Jennifer Amburgy, A.P. Robin Neal, A.P.
361022 361026
Ron McAllister, Principal rmcallister@forsyth.k12.ga.us Bradley Robertson, A.P. Tennille Walsh, A.P.
440119 440224 440363
FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOLS 2018 - 2019 School & Address
Phone & Fax
Mashburn Elementary 3777 Samples Road Cumming, Georgia 30041
770-889-1630 (Fax)770-888-1202
Matt Elementary 7455 Wallace Tatum Road Cumming, GA 30028
678-455-4500 (Fax)678-455-4514
Midway Elementary 4805 Atlanta Highway Alpharetta, Georgia 30004
770-475-6670 (Fax)770-521-1866
Sawnee Elementary 1616 Canton Highway Cumming, Georgia 30040
770-887-6161 (Fax)770-781-2254
Principal and Assistant Principal(s)
Ext.
Carla Gravitt, Principal cgravitt@forsyth.k12.ga.us Jennifer Swaim, A.P.
750104
Charlley Stalder, Principal cstalder@forsyth.k12.ga.us Jamie Barnes, A.P. Curtis Fields, A.P.
280523
Jan Munroe, Principal jmunroe@forsyth.k12.ga.us Daphne Rogers, A.P.
760113
Eileen Nix, Principal ecnix@forsyth.k12.ga.us Rebecca Cahill, A.P. Karen Ogline, A.P. Keith Whitaker, A.P.
771105
750103
280411 280611
760124
771102 771259 772104
Settles Bridge Elementary 600 James Burgess Road Suwanee, Georgia 30024
Sarah Von Esh, Principal svonesh@forsyth.k12.ga.us Michelle Carr, A.P. Mark Graves, A.P.
260134
770-887-1883 (Fax)770-887-7383
Sharon Elementary 3595 Old Atlanta Road Suwanee, Georgia 30024
Amy Bartlett, Principal abartlett@forsyth.k12.ga.us Abigail Buchanan, A.P. Rachel Moity, A.P.
121065
770-888-7511 (Fax)770-888-7510
Shiloh Point Elementary 8145 Majors Road Cumming, Georgia 30041
Derrick Hershey, Principal dhershey@forsyth.k12.ga.us Sean Dillard, A.P. Laurie Rogowski, A.P. Jinny Tidwell, A.P.
321015
678-341-6481 (Fax)678-341-6491
Paige Andrews, Principal pandrews@forsyth.k12.ga.us Deborah Carnes, A.P. Vicki Sipsy, A.P.
350114
678-965-5020 (Fax)678-965-5021
Vickery Creek Elementary 6280 Post Road Cumming, Georgia 30040
Kristan Riedinger, Principal kriedinger@forsyth.k12.ga.us Lindsey Richardson, A.P. Sandy Wells, A.P.
180134
770-346-0040 (Fax)770-346-0045
Whitlow Elementary 3655 Castleberry Road Cumming, Georgia 30040
Lynne Castleberry, Principal lcastleberry@forsyth.k12.ga.us Katye Carlson, A.P. Karolyn Fields, A.P.
370119
678-965-5090 (Fax)678-965-5091
Silver City Elementary 6200 Dahlonega Highway Cumming, Georgia 30028
260315 260272
121063 121074
322308 321022 322004
350363 350122
180230 180156
370235 370134
FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOLS 2018 - 2019 School & Address DeSana Middle 625 James Road Alpharetta, Georgia 30004
Phone & Fax
Principal and Assistant Principal(s)
Ext.
Terri North. Principal tnorth@forsyth.k12.ga.us Sharon Epperson, A.P. Mike Sloop, A.P.
491515
770-667-2591 (Fax)770-667-2592
678-965-5080 (Fax)678-965-5081
Kim Head, Principal khead@forsyth.k12.ga.us Kimberley Driesse, A.P. Megan Thompson, A.P.
431515
Lakeside Middle 2565 Echols Road Cumming, Georgia 30041
770-781-4889 (Fax)678-513-3877
Cheryl Riddle, Principal criddle@forsyth.k12.ga.us Ronnie McNeese, A.P. Jimmy Pagel, A.P.
290110
Liberty Middle 7465 Wallace Tatum Road Cumming, GA 30028
Little Mill Middle 6800 Little Mill Road Cumming, GA 30041
Connie McCrary, Principal cmccrary@forsyth.k12.ga.us Mitchell Lesinski, A.P. Mica Wood, A.P.
342515
678-965-5000 (Fax)678-965-5001
North Forsyth Middle 3645 Coal Mountain Drive Cumming, Georgia 30028
Todd McClelland, Principal tmcclelland@forsyth.k12.ga.us Gretchen Franklin, A.P. Dawn Hudson, A.P.
780113
770-889-0743 (Fax)770-888-1210
Otwell Middle 605 Tribble Gap Road Cumming, Georgia 30040
Steve Miller, Principal stmiller@forsyth.k12.ga.us Jeanna Black, A.P. Beth Holder, A.P. Auburn Keaveney, A.P.
790111
770-887-5248 (Fax)770-888-1214
Piney Grove Middle 8135 Majors Road Cumming, Georgia 30041
Pam Pajerski, Principal ppajerski@forsyth.k12.ga.us Jill-Marie Short, A.P. Ross Wason, A.P.
381513
678-965-5010 (Fax)678-965-5011
Pam Bibik, Principal pbibik@forsyth.k12.ga.us John James, A.P. Beth Loedding, A.P. Elizabeth Tuck, A.P.
300111
492010 491507
431527 431509
290106 290118
342507 342509
780320 780310
790103 790310 790119
381511 381505
Riverwatch Middle 610 James Burgess Road Suwanee, Georgia 30024
678-455-7311 (Fax)678-455-7316
South Forsyth Middle 4670 Windermere Parkway Cumming, Georgia 30041
Sandy Tinsley, Principal stinsley@forsyth.k12.ga.us Jo-Anne Jackson, A.P. Ben Jones, A.P.
140111
770-888-3170 (Fax)770-888-3175
Vickery Creek Middle 6240 Post Road Cumming, Georgia 30040
Scott Feldkamp, Principal sfeldkamp@forsyth.k12.ga.us Elizabeth Ihle, A.P. Van Lewsader, A.P.
230113
770-667-2580 (Fax)770-667-2593
300115 300105 300103
140119 140122
230105 230121
FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOLS 2018 - 2019 School & Address
Phone & Fax
Alliance Academy for Innovation 1100 Lanier 400 Parkway Cumming, Georgia 30040
470-695-7823 (Fax)
Denmark High 645 Mullinax Road Alpharetta, Georgia 30004
470-533-2521
Forsyth Central High 131 Almon C. Hill Drive Cumming, Georgia 30040
Lambert High 805 Nichols Road Suwanee, Georgia 30024
North Forsyth High 3635 Coal Mountain Drive Cumming, Georgia 30028
South Forsyth High 585 Peachtree Parkway Cumming, Georgia 30041
West Forsyth High 4155 Drew Road Cumming, Georgia 30040
770-887-8151 (Fax)770-781-2289
678-965-5050 (Fax)678-965-5051
770-781-6637 (Fax)770-888-0934
770-781-2264 (Fax)770-888-1224
770-888-3470 (Fax)770-888-3471
Principal and Assistant Principal(s)
Ext.
Brandi Cannizzaro, Principal bcannizzaro@forsyth.k12.ga.us James Parrish, A.P. Lisa Robinson, A.P.
571109
Heather Gordy, Principal hgordy@forsyth.k12.ga.us Aaron Archanbeau, A.P. Bob Carnaroli, A.P. Mark Karen, A.P.
511466
Mitch Young, Principal myoung@forsyth.k12.ga.us Josh Lowe, A.P. Kacey Martin, A.P. T.J. Miniscalco, A.P. Precilla Saint-Jean, A.P. Amanda Thrower, A.P.
111006
Gary Davison, Principal gdavison@forsyth.k12.ga.us Tom Bass, A.P. Russ Chesser, A.P. Scott Dean, A.P. Ashley Johnessee, A.P. Kelly Price, A.P.
411017
Jeff Cheney, Principal jcheney@forsyth.k12.ga.us Jamie Brown, A.P. Randy Herrin, A.P. Nikki Thomas, A.P. Kim Oliver, A.P. Tracey Winkler, A.P.
160106
Laura Wilson, Principal lawilson@forsyth.k12.ga.us Rebecca Hewitt, A.P. Carrie MacAllaster, A.P. Scott Morlanne, A.P. Glenda Santiago, A.P. Keith Sargent, A.P.
100611
Karl Mercer, Principal kmercer@forsyth.k12.ga.us Molly Bradley, A.P. Jennifer Daniel, A.P. Tom Fowler, A.P. Tony Norce, A.P. Matt Woodley, A.P.
331017
571107 572109
511460 511452 511456
111026 110103 111125 111027 110116
411110 412102 412167 411063 411057
160119 160408 160815 160108 160807
100109 100612 100228 101105 101107
331023 332102 332167 331073 332821
FORSYTH COUNTY SCHOOLS 2018 - 2019
Academies of Creative Education Drew Hayes, Principal dhayes@forsyth.k12.ga.us, extension 312164 Erin Zitka, A.P., extension 130104 Kim Barnes, Associate Director, extension 312162
Forsyth Academy Forsyth Virtual Academy 1130 Dahlonega Highway Cumming, GA 30040
Gateway Academy 136 Almon C. Hill Drive Cumming, GA 30040
770-781-3141 (Fax)770-888-1193
770-781-2299 (Fax) 678-965-4972
State of Georgia County of Forsyth
Forsyth County School District
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF NO RIGHT TO UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION BENEFITS As an on-call, at-will substitute with the Forsyth County School District, I do hereby recognize, understand and agree to the following: • • • • • • • •
I HAVE NO RIGHT TO UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION BENEFITS UNDER GEORGIA LAW O.C.G.A. TITLE 34; The substitute position which I am applying for is a temporary position on an “as needed” basis; The placement of my name on a list of substitute teachers or other substitute positions does not guarantee any work; I may, or may not, be called to work, nor am I required to work when called upon; I maintain the right to refuse work on a day-to-day basis; I may be removed with or without cause from the approved substitute list at any time; I may stop working as a substitute at any time; and I have been informed in writing that under Georgia law, the above stated characteristics of my job make me INELIGIBLE FOR ANY UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION BENEFITS offered under Title 34. Campbell v. Poythress, 216 Ga. App. 834 (1995); Department of Labor v. Baldwin County Hospital Authority et al., 241 Ga. App. 119, 526 S.E. 2d 153 (2000); and Rockdale County Public Schools v. Michael Thurmond, Commissioner, Georgia Department of Labor (2010).
Name (printed) __________________________________ Signed __________________________________________ This ______________ day of _________________,20____
Revised: January 2011
11
Note: This Code of Ethics applies to ALL employees of Forsyth County Schools. Effective June 15, 2015 505-6-.01 THE CODE OF ETHICS FOR EDUCATORS (1) Introduction. The Code of Ethics for Educators defines the professional behavior of educators in Georgia and serves as a guide to ethical conduct. The Georgia Professional Standards Commission has adopted standards that represent the conduct generally accepted by the education profession. The code defines unethical conduct justifying disciplinary sanction and provides guidance for protecting the health, safety and general welfare of students and educators, and assuring the citizens of Georgia a degree of accountability within the education profession.
(2) Definitions (a) “Certificate” refers to any teaching, service, or leadership certificate, license, or permit issued by authority of the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. (b) “Child endangerment” occurs when an educator disregards a substantial and/or unjustifiable risk of bodily harm to the student.
(c) “Educator” is a teacher, school or school system administrator, or other education personnel who holds a certificate issued by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission and persons who have applied for but have not yet received a certificate. For the purposes of the Code of Ethics for Educators, “educator” also refers to paraprofessionals, aides, and substitute teachers. (d) “Student” is any individual enrolled in the state’s public or private schools from preschool through grade 12 or any individual between and including the ages of 3 and 17 under the age of 18. For the purposes of the Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct for Educators, the enrollment period for a graduating student ends on August 31 of the year of graduation. (e) “Complaint” is any written and signed statement from a local board, the state board, or one or more individual residents of this state filed with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission alleging that an educator has breached one or more of the standards in the Code of Ethics for Educators. A “complaint” will be deemed a request to investigate. (f) “Revocation” is the invalidation of any certificate held by the educator.
(g) “Denial” is the refusal to grant initial certification to an applicant for a certificate. (h) “Suspension” is the temporary invalidation of any certificate for a period of time specified by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. (i) “Reprimand” admonishes the certificate holder for his or her conduct. The reprimand cautions that further unethical conduct will lead to a more severe action. (j) “Warning” warns the certificate holder that his or her conduct is unethical. The warning cautions that further unethical conduct will lead to a more severe action. (k) “Monitoring” is the quarterly appraisal of the educator’s conduct by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission through contact with the educator and his or her employer. As a condition of monitoring, an educator may be required to submit a criminal background check (GCIC). The Commission specifies the length of the monitoring period.
12
505-6-.01 Page 2 (l) “No Probable Cause” is a determination by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission that, after a preliminary investigation, either no further action need be taken or no cause exists to recommend disciplinary action. (3) Standards (a) Standard 1: Legal Compliance - An educator shall abide by federal, state, and local laws and statutes. Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to the Commission or conviction of a felony or of any crime involving moral turpitude; of any other criminal offense involving the manufacture, distribution, trafficking, sale, or possession of a controlled substance or marijuana as provided for in Chapter 13 of Title 16; or of any other sexual offense as provided for in Code Section 16-6-1 through 16-6-17, 16-6-20, 16-6-22.2, or 16-12-100; or any other laws applicable to the profession. As used herein, conviction includes a finding or verdict of guilty, or a plea of nolo contendere, regardless of whether an appeal of the conviction has been sought; a situation where first offender treatment without adjudication of guilt pursuant to the charge was granted; and a situation where an adjudication of guilt or sentence was otherwise withheld or not entered on the charge or the charge was otherwise disposed of in a similar manner in any jurisdiction. (b) Standard 2: Conduct with Students - An educator shall always maintain a professional relationship with all students, both in and outside the classroom. Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to: 1. committing any act of child abuse, including physical and verbal abuse; 2. committing any act of cruelty to children or any act of child endangerment; 3. committing any sexual act with a student or soliciting such from a student; 4. engaging in or permitting harassment of or misconduct toward a student that would violate a state or federal law; 5. soliciting, encouraging, or consummating an inappropriate written, verbal, electronic, or physical relationship with a student; 6. furnishing tobacco, alcohol, or illegal/unauthorized drugs to any student; or 7. failing to prevent the use of alcohol or illegal or unauthorized drugs by students who are under the educator’s supervision (including but not limited to at the educator’s residence or any other private setting). (c) Standard 3: Alcohol or Drugs - An educator shall refrain from the use of alcohol or illegal or unauthorized drugs during the course of professional practice. Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to: 1. being on school or Local Unit of Administration (LUA)/school district premises or at a school or a LUA/school district-related activity while under the influence of, possessing, using, or consuming illegal or unauthorized drugs; and 2. being on school or LUA/school district premises or at a school-related activity involving students while under the influence of, possessing, or consuming alcohol. A school-related activity includes, but is not limited to, any activity sponsored by the school or school system (booster clubs, parent-teacher organizations, or any activity designed to enhance the school curriculum i.e. Foreign Language trips, etc).
13
505-6-.01 Page 3 (d) Standard 4: Honesty - An educator shall exemplify honesty and integrity in the course of professional practice. Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to, falsifying, misrepresenting or omitting: 1. professional qualifications, criminal history, college or staff development credit and/or degrees, academic award, and employment history; 2. information submitted to federal, state, local school districts and other governmental agencies; 3. information regarding the evaluation of students and/or personnel; 4. reasons for absences or leaves; 5. information submitted in the course of an official inquiry/investigation; and 6. information submitted in the course of professional practice. (e) Standard 5: Public Funds and Property - An educator entrusted with public funds and property shall honor that trust with a high level of honesty, accuracy, and responsibility. Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to: 1. misusing public or school-related funds; 2. failing to account for funds collected from students or parents; 3. submitting fraudulent requests or documentation for reimbursement of expenses or for pay (including fraudulent or purchased degrees, documents, or coursework); 4. co-mingling public or school-related funds with personal funds or checking accounts; and 5. using school or school district property without the approval of the local board of education/governing board or authorized designee. (f) Standard 6: Remunerative Conduct - An educator shall maintain integrity with students, colleagues, parents, patrons, or businesses when accepting gifts, gratuities, favors, and additional compensation. Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to: 1. soliciting students or parents of students, or school and/or LUA/school district personnel, to purchase equipment, supplies, or services from the educator or to participate in activities that financially benefit the educator unless approved by the local board of education/governing board or authorized designee; 2. accepting gifts from vendors or potential vendors for personal use or gain where there may be the appearance of a conflict of interest; 3. tutoring students assigned to the educator for remuneration unless approved by the local board of education/governing board or authorized designee; and 4. coaching, instructing, promoting athletic camps, summer leagues, etc. that involves students in an educator’s school system and from whom the educator receives remuneration unless approved by the local board of education/governing board or authorized designee. These types of activities must be in compliance with all rules and regulations of the Georgia High School Association.
14
505-6-.01 Page 4 (g) Standard 7: Confidential Information - An educator shall comply with state and federal laws and state school board policies relating to the confidentiality of student and personnel records, standardized test material and other information. Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to: 1. sharing of confidential information concerning student academic and disciplinary records, health and medical information, family status and/or income, and assessment/testing results unless disclosure is required or permitted by law; 2. sharing of confidential information restricted by state or federal law; 3. violation of confidentiality agreements related to standardized testing including copying or teaching identified test items, publishing or distributing test items or answers, discussing test items, violating local school system or state directions for the use of tests or test items, etc.; and 4. violation of other confidentiality agreements required by state or local policy. (h) Standard 8: Abandonment of Contract - An educator shall fulfill all of the terms and obligations detailed in the contract with the local board of education or education agency for the duration of the contract. Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to: 1. abandoning the contract for professional services without prior release from the contract by the employer, and 2. willfully refusing to perform the services required by a contract. (i) Standard 9: Required Reports - An educator shall file reports of a breach of one or more of the standards in the Code of Ethics for Educators, child abuse (O.C.G.A. §19-7-5), or any other required report. Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to: 1. failure to report all requested information on documents required by the Commission when applying for or renewing any certificate with the Commission; 2. failure to make a required report of a violation of one or more standards of the Code of Ethics for educators of which they have personal knowledge as soon as possible but no later than ninety (90) days from the date the educator became aware of an alleged breach unless the law or local procedures require reporting sooner; and 3. failure to make a required report of any violation of state or federal law soon as possible but no later than ninety (90) days from the date the educator became aware of an alleged breach unless the law or local procedures require reporting sooner. These reports include but are not limited to: murder, voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, kidnapping, any sexual offense, any sexual exploitation of a minor, any offense involving a controlled substance and any abuse of a child if an educator has reasonable cause to believe that a child has been abused. (j) Standard 10: Professional Conduct - An educator shall demonstrate conduct that follows generally recognized professional standards and preserves the dignity and integrity of the education profession. Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to any conduct that impairs and/or diminishes the certificate holder’s ability to function professionally in his or her employment position, or behavior or conduct that is detrimental to the health, welfare, discipline, or morals of students. (k) Standard 11: Testing - An educator shall administer state-mandated assessments fairly and ethically. Unethical conduct includes but is not limited to:
15
505-6-.01 Page 5 1. committing any act that breaches Test Security; and 2. compromising the integrity of the assessment. (4) Reporting (a) Educators are required to report a breach of one or more of the Standards in the Code of Ethics for Educators as soon as possible but no later than ninety (90) days from the date the educator became aware of an alleged breach unless the law or local procedures require reporting sooner. Educators should be aware of legal requirements and local policies and procedures for reporting unethical conduct. Complaints filed with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission must be in writing and must be signed by the complainant (parent, educator, or other LUA/school district employee, etc.). (b) The Commission notifies local and state officials of all disciplinary actions. In addition, suspensions and revocations are reported to national officials, including the NASDTEC Clearinghouse. (5) Disciplinary Action (a) The Georgia Professional Standards Commission is authorized to suspend, revoke, or deny certificates, to issue a reprimand or warning, or to monitor the educator’s conduct and performance after an investigation is held and notice and opportunity for a hearing are provided to the certificate holder. Any of the following grounds shall be considered cause for disciplinary action against the holder of a certificate: 1. unethical conduct as outlined in The Code of Ethics for Educators, Standards 1-11 (GaPSC Rule 505-6-.01); 2. disciplinary action against a certificate in another state on grounds consistent with those specified in the Code of Ethics for Educators, Standards 1-11 (GaPSC Rule 505-6-.01); 3. order from a court of competent jurisdiction or a request from the Department of Human Resources that the certificate should be suspended or the application for certification should be denied for non-payment of child support (O.C.G.A. §19-6-28.1 and §19-11-9.3); 4. notification from the Georgia Higher Education Assistance Corporation that the educator is in default and not in satisfactory repayment status on a student loan guaranteed by the Georgia Higher Education Assistance Corporation (O.C.G.A. §20-3-295); 5. suspension or revocation of any professional license or certificate; 6. violation of any other laws and rules applicable to the profession; and 7. any other good and sufficient cause that renders an educator unfit for employment as an educator. (b) An individual whose certificate has been revoked, denied, or suspended may not serve as a volunteer or be employed as an educator, paraprofessional, aide, substitute teacher or in any other position during the period of his or her revocation, suspension or denial for a violation of The Code of Ethics. The superintendent and the educator designated by the superintendent/Local Board of Education shall be responsible for assuring that an individual whose certificate has been revoked, denied, or
16
505-6-.01 Page 6 suspended is not employed or serving in any capacity in their district. Both the superintendent and the superintendent’s designee must hold GaPSC certification. Should the superintendent’s certificate be revoked, suspended, or denied, the Board of Education shall be responsible for assuring that the superintendent whose certificate has been revoked, suspended, or denied is not employed or serving in any capacity in their district. Authority O.C.G.A. § 20-2-200; 20-2-981 through 20-2-984.5
17
REPORTS BY SCHOOL SYSTEM EMPLOYEES REQUIRED UNDER GEORGIA LAWS AND RULES •
Reporting Student Crime The Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) Section 20-2-1184 requires all employees to report certain suspected student crimes on a school campus or at a school activity to the principal or site supervisor. The crimes are: 1. Aggravated assault with a firearm; 2. Aggravated battery 3. Sexual offenses (rape, statutory rape, sodomy, aggravated sodomy, child molestation, aggravated child molestation, public indecency, prostitution, pimping, pandering, solicitation of sodomy, any act of fornication or adultery, sexual battery; enticing a child for indecent purposes) 4. Carrying a deadly weapon at a public gathering (on school property, but not necessarily at a school sponsored event); 5. Possession of a weapon within a school safety zone or at a school function; 6. Illegal possession of a pistol or revolver; 7. Possession of marijuana and controlled substances Upon receiving a report and if the principal or site supervisor has reasonable cause to believe the report is valid, he/she is required to make an immediate oral report to the superintendent and the appropriate police authority and the district attorney.
•
Reporting Child Abuse Employees who have reasonable cause to believe that a child under the age of 18 and/or a student has been physically abused, neglected or exploited or sexually abused must report the facts known to that employee to the principal, site supervisor or designee. It then becomes the duty of the principal, site supervisor or designee to make an oral report immediately, but in no case later than twenty-four (24) hours from the time there is reasonable cause to believe a child has been abused to the Department of Family and Children Services (DFACS). A copy of the report shall be forwarded to the school social worker.
•
Reporting Employee Crime O.C.G.A. Section 20-2-984.2 requires the reporting of offenses committed by school system educators. The superintendent, associate or assistant superintendents, or the directors of personnel are required to make an immediate written report to the BOE upon receiving a written report from a school district employee or parent/guardian of a child enrolled in the school system that any school system educator has committed certain criminal offenses. The offenses include murder, voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, kidnapping, possession of marijuana or any controlled substance, theft, sexual exploitation of a minor, all of the sexual offenses discussed above except adultery and fornication, unlawfully operating a motor vehicle after being declared a habitual violator.
•
Code of Ethics for FCS Employees The Code of Ethics for Educators applies to all Forsyth County School System employees. One of the requirements in this code is that employees must report a breach of one or more of the Standards. Employees should be aware of local policies and procedures and/or the chain of command for reporting unethical conduct.
The Code of Ethics may be viewed in its entirety on the Forsyth County School System website (www.forsyth.k12.ga.us) in the Human Resources section as well as the Georgia Professional Standards Commission website (www.gapsc.com).
18
Administrative Regulation Child Abuse or Neglect
Descriptor Code: JGI-R(0)
All Forsyth County School System personnel and volunteers are mandated reporters of suspected child abuse and neglect. Child abuse includes physical abuse, physical neglect, sexual abuse and emotional abuse. Abuse information can be revealed during regular contact with a child in the classroom, in a counseling session or through reporting of alleged incidents of suspected abuse by another child or children. The following are procedures for suspected child abuse cases through the school system after initial disclosure to school personnel. Staff may consult with the Director of Student Support Services for guidance with suspected child abuse cases or with the Chief of Human Resources with cases dealing with school employees. Interview/Disclosure of Abuse • •
•
If school staff or volunteer suspects abuse, immediately contact the School Counselor (School Administrator if counselor is unavailable.) The School Counselor will interview the child when appropriate. o No other students should be present in the session. o Ask the child open ended questions such as “What happened?” and “When did the incident occur?” Leading questions such as “Did your mother also hit you?” may jeopardize the investigation. o Document the child’s exact statement using the child’s original wording on the Mandated Reporter form. o Determine if the alleged perpetrator lives in or out of the home. o If necessary, you may want to discuss issues of safety with the child. o Note the time and the date of the disclosure. o If sexual abuse or exploitation is disclosed, do not use dolls or other materials to obtain information. It is not the responsibility of the school employee or volunteer to prove that the child has been abused or neglected, or to determine whether the child is in need of protection.
Report to Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) •
• •
• •
All incidences of suspected abuse must be reported “immediately, but in no case later than twenty-four (24) hours from the time there is reasonable cause to believe a child has been abused,” to DFCS regardless of when or where they occurred. (O.C.G.A. 19-7-5) Complete the Mandated Reporter form. An updated form may be found on itslearning in the Student Support Services course under “child abuse”. Email the Mandated Reporter form to Georgia Centralized Intake at cpsintake@dhr.state.ga.us. The DFCS Intake Worker will email the reporter that they have received the Child Abuse/Neglect Referral Form. The School Social Worker and the School Counselor should maintain a copy for their records. If the DFCS intake worker does not respond to the email, then the reporter should call to ensure the report was received or to make an initial verbal report. If attempts to notify DFCS have been unsuccessful, contact your school social worker, school resource officer, or 911. Concerns regarding sending the child home
19
•
from school due to safety issues should be addressed with the school administration with input from the School Safety Department, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, and the Department of Family and Children Services staff or supervisors. Note: DFCS and law enforcement have restrictions regarding transporting students. Under most circumstances, the child should proceed home in a normal manner. The School Administrator should be notified of the report. Administrator approval is not required to make a DFCS report. Under no circumstances may the principal or designee to whom a notification of child abuse has been made "exercise any control, restraint, modification or make other change to the information provided by the reporter, although each of the aforementioned persons (mandated reporters) may be consulted prior to the making of a report and may provide any additional, relevant and necessary information when making the report.” (O.C.G.A. 19-7-5)
Following Email Reports to DFCS: • •
•
School Administrators should report criminal incidents (physical, sexual abuse, domestic violence, substance abuse, etc.) to the school resource officer The DFCS investigator will often request additional information and/or may contact the child at the school. The contact and information gathered is confidential and part of the ongoing investigation process; therefore, the presence of school personnel may not be appropriate. An employee may attend the interview per the child’s preference. The employee may be added to the witness list and is subject to subpoena if a case is brought to court. The School Social Worker or School Counselor may inquire about case tracking and updates.
School Employee as Alleged Perpetrator •
If there is an allegation of suspected child abuse against an employee of the Forsyth County School System, the principal of the school or the site supervisor will report to Chief of Human Resources, the Superintendent or his/her designee. The Superintendent’s designee or the principal will report as mandated by law and the Code of Ethics for Educators.
Consequences for Failure to Report • •
Failure to report may result in disciplinary action against the employee. Mandated reporters who fail to report child abuse/neglect may be held liable in a court of law and may be found guilty of a misdemeanor. Penalties could include fines and/or imprisonment.
20
Workers’ Compensation Workers’ compensation is an accident insurance program paid by your employer which may provide you with medical, rehabilitation and income benefits if you are injured on the job. These benefits are provided to help you return to work. You should report any accident occurring on the job to your employer (manager, supervisor, or administrator) immediately. If you delay in reporting your accident you may lose your rights to collect under workers’ compensation. You are also required to seek treatment from a physician listed on our Posted Panel. A copy is posted in every school and auxiliary location. If you have trouble locating the Panel please refer to our website at www.forsyth.k12.ga.us. Choose Finance & Operations under Departments and click on Worker’s Compensation Panel on the lefthand side. We also are required to post a Bill of Rights which explains your rights and responsibilities under the law. This is posted next to our Panel and also can be found on our website.
TAX-SHELTERED ANNUITY COMPANIES VALIC 2300 Windy Ridge Pkwy, Ste 1150 Atlanta, GA 30339 770-395-4706 Existing Accounts: Bob Buchanan, Senior Financial Advisor 678-313-3209 bob.buchanan@valic.com New Accounts/New Employees: Taylor Trupia, Financial Advisor 770-309-2857 taylor.trupia@valic.com
VOYA (Formerly ING) 13613 Weycroft Circle Alpharetta, GA 30004 Derrick Friedman 678-469-2534 dfriedman@lincolninvestment.com Stephan Bayani 770-778-9290 rsb6262@aol.com LINCOLN FINANCIAL GROUP 3625 Cumberland Blv. SE Suite 900 Atlanta, GA 30339 John Koshy 404-975-9204 www.johnkoshy.com
METLIFE/TRAVELERS 11225 N. Community House Rd Gragg Building, 10th Floor Charlotte, NC 28277 David A. Johnson, ChFC, CLU Office 980-949-4249 Fax 980-949-3938 Cell 980-225-6524 djohnson26@metlife.com
MIDLAND NATIONAL LIFE Bales Financial Group, Inc. 327 Dahlonega St, Suite 903B Cumming, GA 30040 Davey Bales 678-807-7157
OPPENHEIMER FUNDS 282 South Main Street, Suite C Alpharetta, GA 30009 Loy J. Day, CIC, LUTCF Office 770-442-3045 Fax 770-442-9946 Cell 770-630-4545 lday@loydayinsurance.com
Lanier Capital Management, Inc. 407 East Maple Street, Ste. 201 Cumming, GA 30040 Debora Bales 770-406-8498 debora@laniercm.com
22
PERSONNEL INFORMATION UPDATE SEND COMPLETED FORM TO HUMAN RESOURCES
OLD Information Employee Name: ________________________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________________ City: ________________________________________________ Zip Code: _______________ Telephone: Area Code __________
Number: ___________________________
NEW Information Employee Name : ________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________________ City: ________________________________________________ Zip Code: _______________ Telephone: Area Code __________
Number: ___________________________
When Effective Date: _________________________
By Signature: __________________________________________________ Date: ______________________________ Social Sec. #:___________________________________
24
Board Policy Complaints and Grievances
Descriptor Code: GAE
SECTION 1. PURPOSE; INFORMAL RESOLUTION PREFERRED The purpose of this policy is to implement the provisions of the Act of the General Assembly of 1992, OCGA 20-2-989.5 et seq. In accordance with the foregoing, it is the policy of the Forsyth County Board of Education that certificated personnel shall have the right to present and resolve complaints relating to certain matters affecting the employment relationship at the lowest organizational level possible. The Board of Education encourages all employees to resolve their complaints informally in a spirit of collegiality whenever possible. The procedures outlined in this policy are available when such efforts do not succeed or, where for any other reason, the certificated employee desires to pursue this policy and its procedures. SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS a. “Level One Administrator” means the principal of a school with respect to teachers and other certificated personnel assigned to that school. With respect to the certified Administrators, supervised by the Superintendent, the “Level One Administrator” shall be the supervisory person designated by the Board or, in the absence thereof, by the Superintendent. b. “Central Office Administrator” means the local school system Superintendent. c. “Complaint’ means any claim or grievance by a certificated employee of this school district which is filed pursuant to this policy and which comes within the scope of the policy. SECTION 3. SCOPE OF COMPLAINT: EXCLUSIONS a. Scope. Unless excluded by paragraph (b) hereof, this complaint and grievance procedure is applicable to any claim by any professional employee certificated by the Professional Standards Commission who is affected in his or her employment relationship by an alleged violation, misinterpretation, or misapplication of statutes, policies, rules, regulations, or written agreements of this school district or with which the district is required to comply. b. Exclusions. This procedure shall not apply to: 1. Performance ratings contained in personnel evaluation and professional development plans pursuant to Code Section 20-2-210; 2. Job performance; 3. Termination, nonrenewal, demotion, suspension, or reprimand of any employee, as set forth in Code Section 20-2-940; 4. The revocation, suspension, or denial of certificates of any employee, as set forth in Code Section 20-2-790. c. A certificated employee who chooses to appeal under Code Section 20-2-1160, shall be barred from pursuing the same complaint under this policy. SECTION 4. HEARING RIGHTS; EVIDENCE; REPRESENTATION; DECISIONS; RECORDS a. Hearing; Evidence. The Complainant shall be entitled to an opportunity to be heard, to present relevant evidence, and to examine witnesses at each level, but the Complainant may not present additional evidence at the Second or Third Hearing Levels unless notice of the Complainant’s intention and the evidence to be presented are submitted in writing five calendar days prior to the hearing to the Administrator who will preside at such level, and in 25
the case of the local Board of Education, to the Superintendent. When hearing an appeal from a prior level, the local Board of Education shall hear and decide all appeals de novo. b. Representation. The Complainant and the Administrator against whom the complaint is filed or whose decision is appealed shall be entitled to the presence of an individual, including an attorney, to assist in the presentation of the complaint and the response thereto at the Central Office Administrator and at the local Board of Education level. The only individuals other than the Complainant and the Administrator who may be present at Level One are witnesses present for the purpose of presenting testimony or documents. (At Level One, the presence of any witness is permitted only during the time the witness is presenting testimony or documents.) c. Hearing Officer. The local Board of Education may appoint a member of the State Bar to serve as law officer who shall rule on all issues of law and other objections, but such attorney shall not assist in the presentation of the case for either party. d. Overall Hearing Time Schedules. The overall time frame from the initiation of the complaint until rendition of the decision by the local Board and notification thereof to the Complainant shall not exceed 60 calendar days. e. Automatic Referral To Next Level. Any complaint not processed by the Administrator or the local unit of administration within the time frame required by this policy shall be forwarded to the next level for determination. f.
Records. Accurate records of the proceedings at each level shall be kept; the proceedings shall be recorded by mechanical means. All evidence shall be preserved and made available to the parties at all times. All costs and fees shall be borne by the party incurring them unless otherwise agreed upon by the parties; except that the cost of preparing and preserving the record of the proceedings shall be borne by the local Board of Education; provided however, the cost of transcribing the transcript of evidence and proceedings before the local Board shall be borne by the party requesting same, and all costs of the record on appeal to the superior courts and appellate courts shall be paid by the party required to do so by the laws relating thereto.
g. Decisions. Each decision shall be made in writing and dated, and shall contain findings of fact and reasons for the particular decision reached. h. Notice. The decision at each level shall be delivered to the Complainant by a person designated by the Superintendent, either by (1) being hand delivered or (2) being deposited in the U. S. Mail (Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested). Notice to the Complainant shall be deemed to have been made on the date of hand delivery or on the U. S. Mail by Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested to the date of deposit in the address stated in the complaint or, if not contained in the complaint, to the last known address of the Complainant on file with the Personnel Office of the Board of Education. SECTION 5. FIRST LEVEL; PRESENTATION; TIME; CONTENTS The complaint shall be presented in writing to the Level One Administrator within 10 calendar days after the most recent incident upon which the complaint is based. The complaint shall include the following: a. The mailing address of the Complainant to which all notices and other documents may be mailed; b. The intent of the Complainant to utilize this complaint procedure, clearly stated; c. A reference or description of the statute, policy, rule, contract provision or regulation that is
26
alleged to have been violated, misinterpreted or misapplied; d. A brief statement of the facts reasonably calculated to show how such statute, policy, rule or regulation was violated or misapplied, and how it substantially affects the employment relationship of the Complainant; and e. A statement of relief desired. The Superintendent shall prepare forms for use in accordance with the foregoing requirements. Forms for filing complaints, furnishing the required notice, making appeals, and preparing reports shall be made available by the Personnel Director to certified employees upon request. SECTION 6. FIRST LEVEL HEARING AND DECISION The Level One Administrator shall record the date of filing on the complaint, and shall give notice of the Complainant of the time and place of the hearing, either by mail or hand delivery. When notice is given by mail, it shall be sent certified mail, return receipt requested to the address set forth in the complaint. If no address was included in the complaint, then the notice shall be sent to the last known address of the Complainant. Where service or notice is made by certified mail, it shall be deemed to have been made when timely deposited in the mail, regardless of whether it was actually received. The Level One Administrator shall conduct a hearing on the complaint and render a decision thereon with 10 days of the filing of the complaint. The decision shall be sent to the Complainant as provided in Section 4(h) (above) SECTION 7. SECOND LEVEL; APPEAL FROM FIRST LEVEL TO CENTRAL OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR A Complainant dissatisfied with the decision of the First Level shall be entitled to appeal to the Central Office Administrator by filing written notice of appeal with the Office of the Superintendent. The appeal must be filed within 10 calendar days after the Complainant is notified of the Level One decision. The Central Office Administrator shall record the date of filing on the appeal and shall notify the Complainant in writing of the time and place of the hearing by mail or hand delivery, as set forth in Section 6 above. The Level Two Administrator shall obtain copies of all minutes, transcripts, documents and other records relating to the complaint and shall conduct a hearing and render a decision within 10 calendar days of the date of the filing of the appeal, or the hearing may be conducted by any designated representative of the Level Two Administrator who shall promptly submit his or her recommendations and findings to the Level Two Administrator for final decision. The decision shall be rendered and served on the Complainant and his or her attorney in accordance with Section 4(h). SECTION 8. THIRD LEVEL; APPEAL TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION A Complainant or Level One Administrator dissatisfied with the decision of the Central Office Administrator may appeal to the local Board of Education by filing written notice of appeal with the Office of Superintendent. The appeal must be filed within 10 calendar days after the date of the decision as provided in Section 4. Notice of appeal shall be deemed to have been made on the date of hand delivery or on the date of deposit in the U. S. Mail by Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested to the address of the Superintendent contained on the Complaint and Grievance Form. The Superintendent shall record the date of filing on the appeal, and shall promptly give notice to the Complainant in writing of the time and place of hearing by mail or by hand delivery, as set forth in Section 6 above. The Complainant and the Administrator(s) against whom the complaint is filed or whose decision is being appealed shall be entitled to appear before the Board of Education and be heard. The Board of Education may direct that a pre-hearing conference be held prior to the hearing to identify issues and facilitate presentation. The local board shall render its decision, and notify Complainant within sixty (60) calendar days after the complaint was filed. SECTION 9. APPEALS TO THE STATE BOARD Appeals from the decision of the local Board to the State Board of Education shall be governed by 27
the State Board Policy governing appeals and OCGA 20-2-1160. SECTION 10. REPRISALS PROHIBITED No certificated personnel shall be subjected to reprisals as a result of filing any complaint under this policy. Any reprisals may be referred to the Professional Practices Commission. SECTION 11. COLLECTIVE BARGAINING DISCLAIMER Nothing in this policy shall be construed to permit or foster collective bargaining. SECTION 12. REPEALS All policies and parts of policies in conflict herewith are repealed. Date Adopted: 8/31/1995
28
Board Policy Harassment
Descriptor Code: GAEB
SEXUAL, RACIAL AND OTHER HARASSMENT PROHIBITED It is the policy of this school district to forbid sexual, racial and other harassment of all employees and students at all times and during all occasions while at school, in the work place or at any school event, activity, including community based job sites. Any act of harassment of students or employees by other students or employees based upon the race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age or disability of students or employees shall result in prompt and appropriate discipline, including termination of offending employees or suspension or expulsion of students guilty of harassment. Harassment includes, but is not necessarily limited to, conduct or speech which entails unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, taunts, threats, comments of a vulgar or discriminating nature, which are intimidating or create a hostile environment for a student or employee, as well as physical contact. There may be other speech or conduct which employees or students experience as illegal harassment which should be reported also; harassment can take many forms and it is not possible to itemize every aspect of the harassment forbidden by this policy. If a student or employee believes he or she is being subjected to harassment forbidden by this policy, the student or employee should promptly report the offense to the coordinator designated by the school system following the procedures set forth in policy GAAA or JAA. If a student or employee reports such harassment to a counselor, principal or other school system employee other than the coordinator designated by the school system, that employee shall be responsible for notifying the appropriate coordinator immediately. No reprisal shall occur as a result of reporting unlawful harassment under this policy, and any attempt to retaliate against a complainant shall be disciplined as is appropriate. It is the duty of all employees to report harassment forbidden by this policy to the coordinator designated by the Board. It is also the duty of all supervisors of personnel to instruct their subordinates as to the content of this policy and through appropriate staff development to enlighten employees as to the varied forms or expression of illegal harassment. The principals of all schools in this district shall insure that students and parents are informed through student handbooks and verbally that harassment is strictly forbidden, how it is to be reported and the consequences for violating this policy. Date Adopted: 8/31/1995 Last Revised: 2/21/2008
29
DISCRIMINATION/HARASSMENT REPORTING The Forsyth County School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability or gender in employment decisions or educational programs and activities, including its athletic programs. Any student, employee, applicant for employment, parent or other individual who believes he or she has been subjected to harassment or discrimination by other students or employees of the school district based upon any of the factors listed above should promptly report the same to the principal of the school or the appropriate coordinator as listed below, who will implement the board's discriminatory complaints or harassment procedures. Students may also report harassment or discrimination to their school counselor. Equity coordinators for the school system are:
Title VI Mr. Todd Shirley (Students); Dr. Cindy Salloum (Personnel) Title IX Mr. Todd Shirley (Students); Dr. Cindy Salloum (Personnel) ADA and 504 Ms. Sarah Taylor (Students); Dr. Cindy Salloum (Personnel) Sports Equity Dr. Cindy Salloum (Students) Equity coordinators may be contacted at the Forsyth County Board of Education and Professional Development Center, 1120 Dahlonega Highway, Cumming, Georgia 30040, (770) 887-2461. Students and employees will not be subjected to retaliation for reporting such harassment or discrimination. A copy of the discriminatory complaints procedure under Forsyth County School District Policy GAAA/JAA (Equal Opportunity/Discriminatory Complaints) or under Policy IDFA (Gender Equity in Sports) is located in the school district policy manual that is available on the school system web site. Revised 6-8-15
30
Board Policy
Descriptor Code: GAMA
Drug-Free Workplace The Forsyth County Board of Education declares that the manufacture, distribution, sale or possession of controlled substances, marijuana and other dangerous drugs in an unlawful manner is a serious threat to the public health, safety and welfare. With this in mind, the board declares that its work force must be absolutely free of any person who would knowingly manufacture, distribute, sell or possess a controlled substance, marijuana or a dangerous drug in an unlawful manner. This prohibition specifically includes, but is not limited to, the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance in the employee’s workplace. Any employee who is convicted for the first time, under the laws of this state, the United States, or any other state, of any criminal offense involving the manufacture, distribution, sale or possession of a controlled substance, marijuana or a dangerous drug shall be subject to disciplinary action. At a minimum, such an employee shall be suspended for a period of not less than two months and shall be required to complete a drug abuse treatment and education program licensed under Chapter 5 of Title 26 of the Official Code of Georgia and approved by the board. At a maximum, such an employee may be terminated from his employment with the school system. Any employee who is convicted for a second or subsequent time under the laws of this state, the United States, or any other state, of any criminal offense involving the manufacture, distribution, sale or possession of a controlled substance, marijuana or a dangerous drug shall be terminated from his or her employment and shall be ineligible for employment for a period of five years from the most recent date of conviction. If, prior to an arrest for an offense involving a controlled substance, marijuana or a dangerous drug, an employee notifies the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee that the employee illegally uses a controlled substance, marijuana or a dangerous drug and is receiving or agrees to receive treatment under a drug abuse treatment and education program licensed under Chapter 5 of Title 26 of the Official Code of Georgia and approved by the board, the employee shall be entitled to maintain his or her employment for up to one year as long as the employee follows the treatment plan. During this period, the employee shall not be separated from employment solely on the basis of the employee’s drug dependence, but the employee’s work activities may be restructured if practicable to protect persons or property. No statement made by an employee to the superintendent of the superintendent’s designee in order to comply with this code section shall be admissible in any civil, administrative or criminal proceeding as evidence against the public employee. The rights granted by this policy shall be available to an employee only once during a five year period and are intended to be and shall be interpreted as being the same as those minimum rights granted pursuant to the Georgia Drug-Free Work Force Act and any subsequent amendments thereof. As a condition of employment, each employee must abide by the terms of this policy and must notify the board within five days after any arrest on any drug-related criminal charge and further notify the board within five days of any conviction of a drug-related offense. A copy of this policy shall be disseminated to all employees either directly or through
31
employee handbooks. The board of education shall not consider for employment any applicant who has been convicted for the first time of any drug offense as described above for a three month period from the date of conviction nor shall the board of education consider any applicant for employment who has been convicted for the second time of any drug offense as described above for a five year period from the most recent date of conviction. For purposes of this policy, “conviction” refers to any final conviction in a court of competent jurisdiction, specifically including acceptance of a plea of guilty, nolo cotendere, or any plea entered under the First Offenders Act of Georgia or any comparable state or federal legislation. No certificated employee or employee with a contract for a definite term shall be subject to suspension or termination pursuant to this policy except in compliance with the provisions of the Fair Dismissal Act of Georgia, Official Code of Georgia Annotated §20-2-940 through947. This policy is not intended and shall not be interpreted as prohibiting the school system from taking appropriate disciplinary action against any employee where there exists evidence that an employee uses, distributes or sells illegal drugs even though the employee has not been convicted of any criminal offense, except that the school system may not use the statement of any employee to the superintendent requesting treatment as described in this policy. The school system shall provide such staff development as required by state or federal law to inform employees of the dangers of drug abuse, the availability of employee assistance and drug counseling and treatment and the terms of this policy.
Date Adopted: 8/31/1995
32
Board Policy Employee Tobacco Use
Descriptor Code: GAN
In compliance with the Pro-Children Act of 1994, smoking and use of other tobacco products shall be prohibited in any school or building used for the instruction of students. In addition, students shall not be permitted to smoke or use tobacco products anywhere on school grounds, at any school sponsored activity or event, or on any school bus. (Refer to Policy JCDAA) Employees of the board of education shall be prohibited from being in possession of, smoking or using tobacco products on school district property at any time, or while supervising students after school hours, or while operating a vehicle owned by the school district. School district employees who violate this policy may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, including reprimand, suspension with or without pay or termination. Students who violate this policy may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with board policy and the student/parent handbook.
Date Adopted: 3/31/1996
33
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE
Private cars brought on campus, employee desks and other personal or school property shall be subject to inspection and search by school authorities at all times without further notice. Such searches may also be conducted using “drug sniffing� dogs or hand-held metal detectors.
34
Board Policy Professional Personnel Working Conditions
Descriptor Code: GBR
All professional employees are expected to observe a minimum workday of eight hours and a minimum work week of forty hours. Each school principal shall establish a minimum workday schedule for all personnel assigned under their supervision. These schedules shall insure that all professional employees remain on duty at their school at least eight hours per day. As part of their workday, teachers are expected to perform such duties as teaching and teacher preparation, staff meetings, conferences with students and parents, planning conferences and related school activities in the community, and extra-class responsibilities, whether or not these activities fall into the hours during which they are required to be on duty at their school.
Date Adopted: 8/31/1995
35
Board Policy Internet Acceptable Use
Descriptor Code: IFBG
It is the belief of the Forsyth County Board of Education that the use of technology for the purpose of information acquisition, retrieval, manipulation, distribution and storage is an important part of preparing children to live in the 21st century. The Board further believes that a “technology rich” classroom can significantly enhance both the teaching and learning process. This technology includes computer hardware, software, local and wide area networks and access to the Internet. Due to the complex nature of these systems and the magnitude of information available via the Internet, the Forsyth County Board of Education believes guidelines regarding acceptable use are warranted in order to serve the educational needs of students. It shall be the policy of the Forsyth County Board of Education that the school system shall have in continuous operation, with respect to any computers belonging to the school having access to the Internet: 1. A qualifying “technology protection measure,” as that term is defined in Section 1703(b)(1) of the Children's Internet Protection Act of 2000; and 2. Procedures or guidelines developed by the superintendent, administrators and/or other appropriate personnel which provide for monitoring the online activities of users and the use of the chosen technology protection measure to protect against access through such computers to visual depictions that are (i) obscene, (ii) child pornography, or (iii) harmful to minors, as those terms are defined in Section 1703(b)(1) and (2) of the Children’s Internet Protection Act of 2000. Such procedures or guidelines shall be designed to: a. Provide for monitoring the online activities of users to prevent, to the extent practicable, access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet and the World Wide Web; b. Promote the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of direct electronic communications; c. Prevent unauthorized access, including so-called “hacking,” and other unauthorized activities by minors online; d. Prevent the unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors; and e. Restrict minors’ access to materials “harmful to minors,” as that term is defined in Section 1703(b)(2) of the Children’s Internet Protection Act of 2000. The district’s technology resources are provided for educational purposes that promote and are consistent with the instructional goals of the Forsyth County School System. Use of computers and network resources outside the scope of this educational purpose is strictly prohibited. Students and employees accessing network services or any school computer shall comply with the district’s acceptable use guidelines. The district reserves the right to monitor, access, and disclose the contents of any user’s files, activities, or communications. It must also be understood that the Internet is a global, fluid community, which remains largely unregulated. While it is an extremely valuable tool for educational research, there are sections that are not commensurate with community, school, or family
36
standards. It is the belief of the Board that the Internet’s advantages far outweigh its disadvantages. The Forsyth County Board of Education will, through its administrative staff, provide an Internet screening system which blocks access to a large percentage of inappropriate sites. It should not be assumed, however, that users are completely prevented from accessing inappropriate materials or from sending or receiving objectionable communications. Additionally, access to the Internet and computer resources is a privilege, not a right. Therefore, users violating the Forsyth County Board of Education’s acceptable use policy shall be subject to revocation of these privileges and potential disciplinary action.
Date Adopted: 7/31/1998 Last Revised: 9/17/2009
37
Board Policy Internet Safety
Descriptor Code: IFBGE
Introduction It is the policy of Forsyth County Schools to: (a) prevent user access over its computer network to, or transmission of, inappropriate material via Internet, electronic mail, or other forms of direct electronic communications; (b) prevent unauthorized access and other unlawful online activity; (c) prevent unauthorized online disclosure, use, or dissemination of personal identification information of minors; and (d) comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act [Pub. L. No. 106-554 and 47 USC 254(h)]. Definitions Key terms are as defined in the Children’s Internet Protection Act. Access to Inappropriate Material To the extent practical, technology protection measures (or “Internet filters”) shall be used to block or filter Internet, or other forms of electronic communications, access to inappropriate information. Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, blocking shall be applied to visual depictions of material deemed obscene or child pornography, or to any material deemed harmful to minors. Subject to staff supervision, technology protection measures may be disabled or, in the case of minors, minimized only for bona fide research or other lawful purposes. To the extent practical, steps shall be taken to promote the safety and security of users of the Forsyth County Schools online computer network when using electronic mail, chat rooms, instant messaging, and other forms of direct electronic communications. Specifically, as required by the Children’s Internet Protection Act, prevention of inappropriate network usage includes: (a) unauthorized access, including so-called ‘hacking,’ and other unlawful activities; and (b) unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information regarding minors. Inappropriate Network Usage Supervision and Monitoring It shall be the responsibility of all members of the Forsyth County Schools staff to supervise and monitor usage of the online computer network and access to the Internet in accordance with this policy and the Children’s Internet protection Act. Procedures for the disabling or otherwise modifying any technology protection measures shall be the responsibility of the Chief Technology and Information Officer or designated representatives. CIPA Definition of Terms: TECHNOLOGY PROTECTION MEASURE. The term "technology protection measure'' means a specific technology that blocks or filters Internet access to visual depictions that are:
38
1. OBSCENE, as that term is defined in section 1460 of title 18, United States Code; 2. CHILD PORNOGRAPHY, as that term is defined in section 2256 of title 18, United States Code; or 3. Harmful to minors. HARMFUL TO MINORS. The term "harmful to minors'' means any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction that:
1. Taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion; 2. Depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals; and 3. Taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as to minors. SEXUAL ACT; SEXUAL CONTACT. The terms "sexual act'' and "sexual contact'' have the meanings given such terms in section 2246 of title 18, United States Code.
Date Adopted: 9/14/2006 Last Revised: 9/17/2009
39
Responsible Use Guidelines for Forsyth County Schools’ Community The mission of Forsyth County Schools (FCS) is to prepare and inspire all students to contribute and excel. The district provides ongoing student instruction that develops graduated digital citizenship for using technology as a tool to achieve this mission. Information and Communication Technology is an integral part of FCS’ curriculum across subjects and grades in developmentally appropriate ways, and it is aligned to the competencies listed in the district’s Learner Profile which include: seek knowledge and understanding; think critically and solve problems; listen, communicate and interact effectively; exhibit strong personal qualities; and engage and compete in a global environment. I understand that using digital devices (whether personal or school owned) and the FCS network is a privilege, and when I use them according to the Responsible Use Guidelines I will keep that privilege. All members of Forsyth County Schools’ community agree to follow the Forsyth County Schools Code of Conduct, school rules and commit to the following responsible use guidelines. I will:
• • • • •
Use digital devices, networks and software in school for educational purposes and activities. Keep my personal information (including home/mobile phone number, mailing address, and user password) and that of others private. Show respect for myself and others when using technology including social media. Give acknowledgement to others for their ideas and work. Report inappropriate use of technology immediately.
The Responsible Use Procedure will be reviewed each school year together with students and teachers and will provide a springboard for teaching and learning around topics such as Internet safety, digital citizenship and ethical use of technology. * Developed based on Responsible Use Procedures of Canyon County Schools and the Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Separate Regional Division.
Last Modified on May 28, 2013
40
Board Policy School Ceremonies and Observances
Descriptor Code: IKD
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag At a specified time designated by the school each school day, students in the Forsyth County School System shall be afforded the opportunity to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. Students participating in the recitation of the Pledge will be expected to stand, face the flag, and recite the Pledge in unison. Students not participating in the recitation of the Pledge may (a) stand and refrain from reciting the Pledge; or (b) remain seated. A copy of this policy shall be distributed to each teacher in the school (s).
Date Adopted: 12/31/1995
41
Administrative Regulation School Ceremonies and Observances
Descriptor Code: IKD-R(0)
A MOMENT FOR QUIET REFLECTION How to Comply with the Mandate In each public school classroom, the teacher in charge shall, at the opening of school upon every school day, conduct a brief period of quiet reflection for not more than 60 seconds with the participation of all the pupils therein assembled. O.C.G.A. 20-2-1050 Nothing more or less is needed to be said by a teacher in order to comply with the Act. Stating more than this, such as a discussion of whether a student may pray silently, invites criticism and possible legal challenge. If a teacher decides not to observe the moment at all, then the school district may be criticized or challenged legally for not complying with the law. Some administrators who lead the pledge to the flag over the intercom may choose before or after the pledge to simply state: "Let us all remain silent for one moment to reflect on the anticipated activities of the day." The moment of silence may be for whatever length thought appropriate but not in excess of sixty seconds. (We always have thought that a teacher could require many moments of silence for reflection on a variety of activities, including an anticipated lesson or test, without having a law to authorize that activity.) Obviously, this simple sentence may be adopted by each classroom teacher, if the school administrator decides that the moment of silence should be observed by each teacher rather than by an administrator over the intercom. The administrator perhaps should caution teachers not to get into a discussion with students as to whether students may pray silently during this moment. The danger is that a teacher may be perceived as recommending or endorsing prayer. Clearly, a student has a right to pray silently at any time during the day - the student need not ask for permission. If, however, a student truly is not clear as to this right, a teacher would be better sewed by discussing the issue privately with the student and not with the class. The teacher herself or himself should not give to students the impression the teacher is engaged in prayer. This arguably could be considered as an endorsement of prayer or as encouraging students to pray and invite a legal challenge. For a teacher to assume a prayerful posture or to end the moment with an audible "amen" is to place oneself in a position where one could become the defendant in the test case surely to be filed sometime during the coming school year. Obviously, common sense, a willingness to comply with the Act, but not to go beyond the Act, and an understanding of the legal issues in the cases in point prepare administrators and teachers to meet the requirement of the Act without becoming embroiled in litigation or too much controversy in the process. Schoolaw ADVANCE SHEET for Administrators April, 1994
Date Issued: 12/31/1995
42
Vol. 5, No. 10
Login Instructions for Munis Self Service (MSS) Navigate to the web site http://fcss.munisselfservice.com. Click on “Log In� on the right-hand side of the page.
1
43
Your User Name will be your EMPLOYEE ID number. Your 5-digit employee ID number can be found on your pay stub or direct deposit advice. Your Password will be the Last 4 Digits of Your Social Security Number for the 1st login only. Once you are logged in to MSS, it should ask you to set a new password. Please remember that the security of your account depends on your password. However, your social security number cannot be viewed anywhere in you MSS acccount. Please note that passwords cannot be retrieved for you. If you forget your password, it will be reset to the last 4 digits of your social security number so that you can log in and choose a new secure password. Important information to include in your request is your full name and work location.
2
44
All the navigation options are now located on the left-hand side of the web page. Munis Self Service is easy to use and the information format remains the same. Employees will only see the “Employees Self Service� option on the left-hand side of the web page once logged in. Click on it to get started.
3
45
Please be sure that you log off before closing your web browser.
If you have any questions, please contact Dawn Lloyd at dlloyd@forsyth.k12.ga.us or 770-887-2461 Ext. 202145.
4
46