HR Extras

Watch for information on deferred compensation

In March’s HR Exchange newsletter, we told you about new IRS rules that affect annualized salary payments for employees who work less than 12 months. Districts need to provide employees with a clear notice of the payment arrangement before the 2008–09 school year begins.

To address these issues, TASB Policy Service is sending out Policy Update 83 and HR Services will distribute a new Model Employee Handbook this month. The model policy DEA-L states that all salaried employees will be paid over 12 months. Those who separate from employment before the end of the instructional year and those who retire at the end of the instructional year will be paid off in a lump sum. Those who resign or otherwise separate at the end of the instructional year will be paid out on the annualized schedule.

Individual election forms are not required if a district adopts a uniform payment policy for all. Districts that wish to pursue other policy options should consult with their local attorney.

Attorney General rejects contention that district bonuses are private

Districts with performance pay plans can’t keep the bonus amounts that employees receive private, according to the Texas Attorney General’s (AG’s) office.

Houston ISD (HISD) asked the AG for an opinion on whether the bonus amounts could be kept under wraps, arguing that they were tied to employee evaluations and therefore confidential. The AG’s office rejected the district’s argument and ordered the release of HISD bonus data.

The district might have been reluctant to release bonus amounts based on its 2007 experience. Shortly after teacher bonuses were awarded, the Houston Chronicle published the bonus list on its Web site. The controversial list embarrassed some teachers (those who were excluded) and infuriated others (those who objected to the amounts other teachers received).

The fact that the publication of this year’s list was delayed while the district waited for the AG’s ruling may have worked in the district’s favor. The bonus list was published by the Chronicle in early April and appears to have generated much less angst than last year.

—“HISD loses bid to keep workers’ bonuses private,” by Ericka Mellon, Houston Chronicle, April 7, 2008.

Low teacher morale could cause more teachers to leave classroom

A new Texas State Teachers Association (TSTA) survey conducted by Sam Houston State University researchers indicates that 42 percent of teachers are thinking of leaving the classroom.

The most frequently cited reason for their discontent is not the usual suspect, teacher pay. Forty-two percent of teachers say they are dissatisfied with their working conditions, double the percent that are considering leaving because of low pay. Teachers said the issues they face this year include problems with the administration, increasing expectations, time management, the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills test, parents, attendance, student apathy, low morale, and a lack of adequate funds. Job burnout due to stress and increasing paperwork contribute to morale issues.

Texas teacher salaries have risen nearly $4,900 on average in the last two years. In spite of that fact, the survey indicates that teachers work a second job more frequently than other professionals. Seventeen percent of teachers were employed outside the school system, many in education-related jobs including tutoring, coaching, or teaching in another capacity. About 5 percent of all U.S. workers hold second jobs.

According to the survey, the average Texas teacher is a 44-year-old female who makes $47,545 and has nearly 14 years experience. She is married and is often the major breadwinner in the family.

The Texas Teachers, Moonlighting and Morale survey has been conducted every two years since 1980. It was sent to 700 teachers, a systematic sample of TSTA members. It had a return rate of 27 percent.

Economic woes won’t hurt starting salaries of class of ’08

Average starting salaries for 2007-08 college graduates are on the rise in spite of the economy’s recent downturn, according to a new National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Spring 2008 Salary Survey. The increase in the average salary offer to all graduates is 5.3 percent from the Spring 2007 Salary Survey.

Business majors will feel the effects of the slowing economy more than others as their salary offers show little change from 2007. Computer and information science graduates are seeing the biggest increases (13 percent) and are in high demand. Engineering graduates will also fare well, with an average increase of 6 percent; and liberal arts graduates will see their starting salaries rise (12.9 percent).

In general, college graduates will not be entering a poor job market, as employers expect to hire more graduates this spring then in 2007.

NACE’s Salary Survey is a quarterly report of starting salary offers to new college graduates in 70 disciplines at the bachelor’s degree level. NACE is the leading source of information about the employment of college graduates.

TASB Legal Services DVDs train school officials on open government issues

TASB Legal Services has created two new DVDs to help school officials understand open government. An Introduction to the Texas Public Information Act (PIA) and An Introduction to the Texas Open Meetings Act (OMA) are designed to help school board members know what the public has a right to know.

The training DVDs were approved by the Texas attorney general and will satisfy school officials’ open government training requirements. Written resources are also included.

TASB members can purchase the DVDs as a set for $100 ($175 for nonmembers) or either DVD for $65 ($100 for nonmembers). To order, visit the TASB Store or call 800-580-7782, ext. 2290.