Ask HR Services: Contract Termination
Can we terminate a Chapter 21 contract now, or do we have to wait until the end of the school year?
A good cause termination can occur mid-contract and is essentially the same as “being fired.” Good cause is “the employee’s failure to perform the duties in the scope of employment that a person of ordinary prudence would have done under the same or similar circumstances” as determined by the board. The process for a mid-contract termination has the greatest burden of proof and hearing rights.
Alternatively, an employer may choose to nonrenew a term contract or terminate a probationary contact at the end of the contract. The district is required to follow specific statutory procedures for providing notice and a hearing, but the processes are not as difficult as a mid-contract termination. Failure to take appropriate action to nonrenew a contract will result in the individual remaining employed in the same professional capacity for the next school year.
For more information on contracts, check out the HRX articles:
Sarah James
Sarah James joined HR Services in 2019. Prior to that, she worked at a Central Texas school district for 11 years. She is responsible for managing web content, HR Services articles, HRX newsletter, social media accounts, and marketing efforts.
James has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Concordia University Texas in Austin.
Email Sarah if you have a story idea for the HRX.
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