LA PORTE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Human Resources

Every student’s success is our number one priority!

Welcome to La Porte ISD, we are so glad you are here!

Meagan Bergeron Specialist

281-604-7115 bergeronm@lpisd.org

Joy Nolin Specialist

281-604-7112 nolinj@lpisd.org

Patricia Gonzalez Specialist

281-604-7108 gonzalez@lpisd.org

Manuela (Alex) Paz Coordinator

281-604-7114 pazm@lpisd.org

Dr. William Rhodes Director

281-604-7107 rhodesw@lpisd.org

Angela Garza-Viator Executive Director

281-604-7110 viatora@lpisd.org

TalentEd (application system), SmartFind (substitute finder), Volunteers, Verification of Employment, Loan Forgiveness, Service Records

Family Medical Leave, Workers’ Compensation, COVID-19, Support of Support Services (Manual Trades)

Support of Certified/Professional/Paraprofessional Staff, Teacher Certifications, Professional Licenses, Stipends, Service Records

Hiring Non-Exempt Personnel, Human Resources Social Media, Surveys, TalentEd, Training

Hiring Certified and Professional staff, Employee Relations, Compensation, Risk Management, First Year Teachers/Mentors

Certified and Professional Staff, Employee Relations, Recognitions, Leadership Development, T-TESS, First Year Teachers/Mentors, Title IX

Important Dates

• First Year Teacher Meeting Dates 3-5 p.m. (meetings occur on Mondays; refer to schedule attached)

• Transcripts and Service Records due within 30 days of your hire date

• ACP candidates must have passed the PPR by the end of April 2024

Beginning of Year (BOY) Checklist

• Get to know your campus administrative team

• Meet your campus and district mentor

• Set up your account in SmartFind (system to report absences and find substitutes)

• Get to know The La Porte Way (district-wide expectations)

• Complete your goal setting conference with your principal

• Complete Safe School Modules

• Create a Sub Folder

BOY Tips

• Get to know your students’ names, strengths, and weaknesses

• Establish clear routines and procedures for your classroom

• Make “sunshine calls” positive phone calls to your students’ parents, introducing yourself Employee

Follow us on twitter: @LPISD_HR

Follow us on Instagram: @LPISD HR

Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) frequently asked questions

• What is FMLA? The Family Medical Leave Act or FMLA is a U.S. Federal Law that requires LPISD to provide employees job protection and unpaid leave for qualified medical and family reasons. Note that not everyone is eligible for FMLA, but HR will make that determination when they are informed of the employee’s need to be absent from work.

• How do I know if I need to be on FMLA? If you should experience any of the following, you may need to be on FMLA, and you should inform HR that you will or might need to be on a leave of absence: o If you are or will be absent for 5 or more consecutive days for either a personal OR family medical reason, you will need to be placed on a leave of absence. o You ask for any type of FMLA paperwork. o What should you do? Contact the Human Resources Department and your principal/supervisor. Human Resource contact Joy Nolin, nolinj@lpisd or 281-604-7112.

• While on leave, who should I provide updates to? Human Resources and Payroll/Benefits (Human Resources will provide updates to your principal/supervisor)

• What do I need to do to return to work? You will need to present a release to HR at least one day prior to returning to work. HR will review the release. If restrictions are listed, HR will work with your principal/supervisor regarding accommodations. After that has been taken care of the employee will receive a Work Clearance Slip to return to work.

• What if I am only out a few days (illness), will I need a release? You and your principal will need to use your best judgement when deciding to request a release. Here are a few examples when deciding: o Example #1 You had a procedure on your knee during Christmas break, but you should be released to return to work – Technically, you have not missed any workdays. However, you have been recovering from a medical condition that has lasted two weeks. You will need to provide a release, due to the possibility of restrictions. o Example #2 You had to call in sick for the past four days with a cold but plan to come back on Friday. If you sought medical care, please provide a release from the doctor. o Example #3 You were in a major car accident and were treated in the ER. The doctor says you can return to work when you feel up to it. You will need to a provide release.

• If you are ever unsure if a release is needed, feel free to contact us and we will be glad to assist you.