HR Laws

Managing Chapter 21 contracts can result in many challenges for school district employees.

tagged: "Educator contracts", "Employment contracts", Nonrenewal, Termination

New Title IX resource guides are available to help evaluate whether K-12 schools and colleges are providing equal athletic opportunities consistent with the regulations and explains how to file a complaint if a program is not.  

tagged: Diversity, "EEOC compliance", Hiring, "HR training"

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has posted Year 4 Reading Academies updates in the summary of changes released in the commissioner’s superintendent call on February 16.  

tagged: "Professional development", TEA, "Teacher training", "Texas Education Agency"

A new webinar from TASB HR Services and TASB Legal Services, Managing Educator Contracts, is available now on demand.

tagged: "Educator contracts", HR, "Teacher contracts"

An employee who fails to return the medical certification for a family and medical leave (FML) qualifying event in a timely manner may miss out on the rights and protections afforded by federal law.

tagged: "Family and medical leave", FMLA, Leave

As districts consider contract administration and staffing needs for the upcoming school year, they may look to probationary contract employees and employees hired for a partial year when considering a reduction of staff.

tagged: "Educator contracts", Hiring, Nonrenewal, "Teacher contracts"

Thirty years ago, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was signed into law entitling eligible employees of covered employers to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons.

tagged: "Family and medical leave", FMLA, HR

District coordinators can rely on various HR Services resources for help understanding leave benefits and managing the leave process.

tagged: Benefits, "Family and medical leave", FMLA, "HR training", Leave

Political subdivisions such as school districts, colleges and community colleges, cities, or counties are required to post a first responder liaison notice.

tagged: "Employee notices", "Workers’ compensation"

Two new laws were passed in December 2022 providing protection to all nursing mothers and requiring accommodations for pregnancy- and childbirth-related conditions.

tagged: Exempt, "Fair Labor Standards Act", FLSA

TASB work-site posters have been updated to incorporate recent changes to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) employee rights notice and the Office of Injured Employees Counsel (OIEC) program notice.

tagged: "EEOC compliance", "Employee notices", "Employment law", "Worksite posting"

The newest edition of The Administrator’s Guide to Managing Leaves and Absences is now available for purchase in the TASB Store.

tagged: "Employment law", HR, Leave

The United States military is one of the entities recognized for years of service in 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §153.1021 for professional personnel.

tagged: Compensation, "Creditable service", "Personnel records"

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) announced a deadline of Friday, December 9, 2022, for submitting a completed 2022–2023 Annual Fingerprinting Certification and Statement of Compliance.

tagged: "Criminal history", TEA, "Texas Education Agency"

TASB work-site posters are being updated to incorporate recent changes to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) employee rights notice and the Office of Injured Employee Counsel (OIEC) program notice.

tagged: "EEOC compliance", "Employee notices", "Employment law", "Worksite posting"

On October 13, 2022, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced a proposed rule addressing how to determine whether a worker is an employee under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) or an independent contractor.

tagged: "Department of Labor", "Fair Labor Standards Act", FLSA, "Independent contractor"

Employers should continue to use the current version of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, until further notice.

tagged: "Employment law", Hiring, HR

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is welcoming public comments on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking related to the examination of Form I-9 documents.

tagged: Hiring, HR

District leaders must abide by the rules for duty-free lunch entitlements for teachers, including allowing them to leave campus.

tagged: "Employment law", HR

As the school year begins, administrators and teachers should begin engaging in the teacher appraisal process to ensure effective teaching is happening in the classroom from day one and beyond.

tagged: "Employee performance", "Teacher onboarding", "Teacher training", T-TESS

The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Wage and Hour Division and Women’s Bureau announce a series of events to commemorate National Breastfeeding Month and new resources for parents and employers.

tagged: "Department of Labor", DOL, HR, "Wage and hour"

The Department of Labor’s (DOL) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) has signaled increased enforcement of child labor laws, as noted in a recent HR Dive Brief.

tagged: "Department of Labor", DOL, "Fair Labor Standards Act", FLSA, "Wage and hour"

The Title IX proposed revisions were released for public comment by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) on the 50^th anniversary of the law.

tagged: Diversity, "EEOC compliance", Hiring, "HR training"

New publications from the Department of Labor (DOL) provide guidance on the applicability of family and medical leave (FML) for mental health conditions.

tagged: "Department of Labor", DOL, "Family and medical leave", FMLA

The commissioner of education recently announced updates regarding required reading academies.

tagged: "Professional development", "Teacher training"

The 2022 updates to the Model Employee Handbook (MEH) and the Community College MEH are now available to TASB HR Services members.

tagged: "Employee handbook", HR

An understanding of nepotism rules and local provisions is necessary to ensure relatives of board members and in some cases the superintendent, are excluded from employment.

tagged: Employment, "Employment law", Hiring

Implementation of House Bill (HB) 2519 passed during the Regular Session of the 87^th Texas Legislature continues to cause confusion for school districts as they begin to calculate the penalty-free resignation date (PFRD) for this school year.

tagged: "Educator contracts", "Employment law", "Teacher contracts", Termination

Texas Education Code (TEC) Chapter 21 provides the legal framework for educator contracts, and a district’s local policy manual outlines local choices that must be considered during the hiring process.

tagged: "Districts of innovation", DOI, "Educator contracts", Hiring

The results of a recent national teacher survey showing a typical teacher works a median of 54 hours a week may serve as a reference for determining teachers’ family and medical leave (FML) eligibility and number of hours of intermittent leave.

tagged: "Family and medical leave", FMLA, Leave

The penalty-free resignation date (PFRD) remains the same despite the adoption of House Bill (HB) 2519 passed during the Regular Session of the 87^th Texas Legislature.

tagged: "Educator contracts", "Employment law", "Teacher contracts", Termination

The temporary US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) policy allowing employers to accept expired identity documents for the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) will end on May 1

tagged: COVID-19, "Epidemic Response", Hiring, "Personnel records"

Early to mid-spring is the time to complete teacher and principal appraisals as well as evaluations for all employees including auxiliary staff.

tagged: "Employee performance", "HR training", "Records retention", T-TESS

The teacher service record (FIN-115) or a similar form is the official document used to record years of service claimed for salary increment purposes and state leave data.

tagged: Compensation, "Creditable service", HR

An employee who returns to work for the same employer may meet eligibility criteria for family and medical leave (FML) and access leave in the first 12 months of reemployment.

tagged: "Family and medical leave", FMLA, Leave

The State Board of Education (SBOE) adopted proposed rules to Chapter 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §249.17 regarding contract abandonment at its January meeting.

tagged: "Educator contracts", "Employment law", "Teacher contracts", Termination

In Texas, at-will employees can be terminated at any time for any reason, as long as it’s not an illegal reason, if it is in the best interest of the employer.

tagged: "Employee discipline", "Employee performance", Termination, Unemployment

With contract season quickly approaching, it’s important to remember nonrenewal of a term contract must be based on one or more reasons specified in Policy DFBB (LOCAL).

tagged: "Educator contracts", "Employment contracts", Nonrenewal, "Teacher contracts"

As districts move into the last semester, it’s a good time to review practices relating to the acceptance of a contract employee’s end-of-year resignation.

tagged: "Educator contracts", "Employment contracts", "Teacher resignations", Termination

Questions often arise during the spring semester when districts issue contracts to returning and new employees.

tagged: "Educator contracts", "Employment contracts", "Teacher contracts"

Properly crediting military service for salary purposes requires an understanding of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and the commissioner rules for creditable service.

tagged: "Creditable service", Leave, Salaries

Correctly determining exemption status can help a district avoid consequences such as recovery of back wages, penalties and fines, or even personal liability of a supervisor.

tagged: "Employment law", "Exemption status", "Fair Labor Standards Act", FLSA, Overtime

HR professionals in Texas public education entities could find themselves caught off guard by atypical active duty leave requests due to recent changes in available types of military leave.

tagged: Leave

TASB Legal Services has published new guidance on mask mandates.

tagged: COVID-19

Districts need to consider several factors before withholding an employee’s pay to recoup overpayments of wages or costs for lost or damaged equipment.

tagged: Compensation, "Employment law", "Fair Labor Standards Act", FLSA, "Payday law"

Organizations employing foreign nationals have encountered struggles in determining continued eligibility to work for those renewing their employment authorization document.

tagged: "Employment law", Hiring, HR

TASB HR Services has received questions from school districts asking if they are required to get board approval to submit a class size exception.

tagged: "Districts of innovation", DOI, TEA, "Texas Education Agency"

As the end of the year approaches, educational entities are asking if COVID leave needs to be reported on an employee’s W-2 form, as was required in 2020.

tagged: Benefits, "Epidemic Response", Leave

Public comment is open October 22 through November 22 on proposed rule changes to Chapter 19 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §249.17 regarding contract abandonment.

tagged: "Educator contracts", "Employment law", "Teacher contracts", Termination

The Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) recently posted a brochure detailing the limits and exceptions on employment after retirement (EAR) for retirees and TRS-covered employers.

tagged: Compensation, Hiring, "Retire rehire", "Teacher Retirement System", TRS

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) announced a deadline of Friday, November 19, 2021, for submitting a completed 2021–2022 Annual Fingerprinting Certification and Statement of Compliance.

tagged: "Criminal history", TEA, "Texas Education Agency"

Two common misconceptions are that employees can use leave in any way and at any time they choose and that the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) prevents an employer from docking pay for exempt employees.

tagged: Benefits, "Employee handbook", "Fair Labor Standards Act", FLSA, HR

Districts can’t restrict the purpose for which state personal discretionary leave is used, but they can place limitations on the timing and duration of the leave.

tagged: Benefits, "Employee handbook", HR, Leave

COVID-19 delayed the 2020 biennial collection of EEO-5 data, but the electronic data collection site opened on July 27, 2021, with a due date of Monday, October 4, 2021. 

tagged: "EEOC compliance", "Employment law", Surveys

The Electronic Records document, available in the HR Library, has been revised to reflect updates made to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) Local Government Bulletin B.

tagged: HR, HRIS, "Human Resources Information System", "Personnel records", "Records retention"

Campus principals must consider statutory limitations before assigning teachers and librarians to lunch duty.

tagged: "Employment law", HR

Employers can delay or deny a Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) request if an employee fails to follow FMLA and leave reporting procedures.

tagged: "Employee discipline", "Family and medical leave", FMLA

TASB HR Services addresses questions concerning an organization’s ability to require an employee to undergo a medical evaluation to determine whether the employee has an impairment that interferes with their ability to perform required job duties.

tagged: "Employee performance", Employment, "Employment law", HR

The updated ACA Affordability Calculator for Texas school districts is available in the HR Library (member login required).

tagged: ACA, "Affordable Care Act", Benefits, Compensation

TASB HR Services is proud to present the 2021 HR Academy and the new Advanced HR Seminar.

tagged: Compensation, "Fair Labor Standards Act", FLSA, "HR training", Leave

As a new school year begins, districts are asking how to handle extended and intermittent absences.

tagged: Benefits, "Family and medical leave", FMLA, Leave

As the school year begins, school districts are again responding to requests for leave for COVID-related absences.

tagged: COVID-19, Leave

Two new posters regarding firearms on school district premises are available in the TASB Store.

tagged: "Employee notices", "Worksite posting"

Staffing plans for schools may be impacted by Senate Bill 1697 of the 87^th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature which allows a parent to choose retention of their child in pre-K through grade 8 or repeat a high school course.

tagged: Hiring, HR, Staffing, TEA, "Texas Education Agency"

HR Services consultants and Legal Services attorneys regularly field calls from district staff about educator contracts, and while many are questions with very particular and specific sets of circumstances, there are general topics and themes that emerge as common among districts. 

tagged: "Educator contracts", "Teacher contracts"

Texas Education Agency (TEA) is providing an update to the ECOS beginning August 24, 2021, that will allow school districts to download additional certification information for teachers.

tagged: Certification, Compensation, TEA, "Teacher certification", "Texas Education Agency"

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released a new final rule on July 29 that rescinds the previous administration’s “joint-employer” rule that went into effect in March 2020.

tagged: "Department of Labor", DOL, "Employment law", "Fair Labor Standards Act", FLSA, "Independent contractor"

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights recently released “Questions and Answers on the Title IX Regulations on Sexual Harassment” clarifying schools’ obligations and highlighting procedures when responding to complaints of sex discrimination and sexual harassment.

tagged: "Employee discipline", "Employee handbook", "Employment law", "Professional development"

Updates to the Framework for Developing Leaves and Absence Procedures are completed and available in the HR Library (myTASB login required).

tagged: Leave

With the first day of school just weeks away, many Texas school districts are having a very difficult time filling teacher vacancies. Some large districts are reporting hundreds of openings while smaller districts are reporting having no applicants for posted teacher positions.

tagged: Hiring, Recruiting, "Teacher certification", "Teacher shortage"

The Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) has announced upcoming HR-related trainings for higher education and school districts.

tagged: "Retire rehire", "Teacher retirement", "Teacher Retirement System", TRS

A new HR Services webinar provides an overview of the various bills passed during the 87^th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature impacting human resources. 

tagged: Certification, "HR certification", "Teacher Retirement System", "TRS ActiveCare"

Guidance on use of receipts for replacement document needed to verify Form I-9 was recently updated and published on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) website.  

tagged: Employment, "Personnel records"

Members are wondering when the TASB School Law eSource School District Training Chart will be updated.

tagged: Certification, "Professional development", "Teacher training"

Several bills related to general personnel issues were passed during the 87th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature.

tagged: Employment, Hiring, HR

Training and staff development requirements were impacted by bills passed in the 87th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature.

tagged: Certification, development, Professional, Teacher, training

Several bills related to the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) were passed during the 87th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature.

tagged: Benefits, Health, insurance, Rehire, Retirement, System, Teacher, TRS

The topics of sexual assault, abuse and neglect, educator misconduct, and sexual harassment were addressed in several bills passed during the 87th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature.

tagged: Employee, HR, performance, Termination

Several bills were passed in the 87th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature that have implications for certification and licensing.

tagged: Certification, Employment, Teacher

New categories of paid leave for employees engaged in military service and peace officers are required as the result of 87th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature.

tagged: Benefits, Leave

Beginning this school year, local education agencies (LEAs) must use the updated Texas Principal Evaluation and Support System (T-PESS) rubric to meet the commission’s recommended principal appraisal system requirements.

tagged: "Employee performance", "HR training", "Professional development", TEA, "Texas Education Agency"

The 2021 updates to the Model Employee Handbook (MEH) and the Community College MEH are now available to TASB HR Services members.

tagged: "Employee handbook", HR

Upon the governor’s signing of Senate Bill 202, school districts will no longer be able to pass the responsibility of the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) surcharge to a retiree through payroll deduction, by imposing a fee, or by any other means to recover the cost.

tagged: Hiring, "Teacher retirement", "Teacher Retirement System"

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) relaxes the requirements to review Form I-9 documentation in the employee’s physical presence if normal operations are being performed remotely because of COVID-19.

tagged: Hiring, HR, "Personnel records"

It's important to know what the penalty-free resignation date is and how to calculate it.

tagged: "Educator contracts", "Employment contracts", "Teacher contracts", Termination

A common family and medical leave (FML) question is whether a 10-month employee who has a baby late in the spring or over the summer can take family and medical leave (FML) at the beginning of the school year to bond with the baby.

tagged: "Family and medical leave", FMLA, Leave

On May 5, 2021, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced the withdrawal of the new independent contractor rule.

tagged: "Department of Labor", DOL, "Fair Labor Standards Act", FLSA

To help districts address summer school teacher shortages, the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) has adopted a temporary emergency rule expanding the definition of a substitute from June 2021 through August 2021.

tagged: "Retire rehire", "Teacher Retirement System", TRS, "TRS surcharge"

HR Services often gets calls about what recourse a district has for a teacher abandoning their contract.

tagged: "Educator contracts", Employment, "Teacher contracts", "Teacher resignations"

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) contains certain provisions related to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, commonly called COBRA.

tagged: "Employee notices", "Employment law", "Epidemic Response", "Health insurance"

District leaders considering school calendar revisions should first consider the effect on teacher contracts and pay and review available resources.  

tagged: Compensation, "Teacher contracts"

The basic principles of counting time off against an employee’s 12 weeks of family and medical leave (FML) are impacted by holidays and emergency closures.

tagged: Benefits, "Employment law", "Family and medical leave", FMLA, Leave

Spring is a great time to review processes for contract administration including renewals, nonrenewals, and hiring.

tagged: "Educator contracts", Hiring, Nonrenewal, "Teacher contracts"

Employees claiming exemption from income tax are required to complete a new Form W-4 every calendar year, and the February 15^th deadline is fast approaching.

tagged: Compensation, "Employee notices", "Employment law", Hiring

Like all teachers new to the district, late hires are required to have a full Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) or locally developed appraisal during the first year of employment. 

tagged: "Employee performance", Hiring, "Teacher contracts", T-TESS

As COVID-19 vaccines become available some educational entities are asking TASB HR Services how to respond to requests for employee medical information.

tagged: ADA, "Americans with Disabilities Act", COVID-19, "EEOC compliance"

As a COVID-19 vaccine becomes more readily available, employers are exploring options for workplace requirements and practices.

tagged: COVID-19, "EEOC compliance"

Recent guidance from the Department of Labor considers telemedicine an “in-person” visit for the purposes of establishing a serious health condition under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

tagged: "Department of Labor", DOL, "Family and medical leave", FMLA

Several of our members have reached out to get clarification about the recent coronavirus relief package signed into law on December 27.

tagged: COVID-19, "Department of Labor", DOL, Leave

Leave benefits that employers are required to provide through the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act (FFCRA) will expire December 31, 2020, and HR Services members are wondering what their next step should be to provide paid or unpaid leave options to employees affected by the pandemic.  

tagged: Benefits, COVID-19, "Employment law", Leave

Some employees may work a second job while on Family and Medical Leave (FML) in a district or organization, and what the law says about that may be unexpected.

tagged: "Employment law", "Family and medical leave", FMLA, Leave

There are many options and strategies available to districts seeking to reduce personnel costs.

tagged: "Employment contracts", Staffing

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) announced a deadline of November 20, 2020, for submitting a completed 2020–2021 Annual Fingerprinting Certification and Statement of Compliance.

tagged: "Criminal history", TEA, "Texas Education Agency"

The Family First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) only provides leave benefits up until December 31, 2020, so it’s important to inform employees of limitations and manage expectations.

tagged: COVID-19, "Family and medical leave", FMLA, Leave

Employers are seeing an increase in employee requests for Family and Medical Leave (FML) following a denial of a request to work remotely because of an employee or family member’s high-risk health factor.

tagged: ADA, "Americans with Disabilities Act", Benefits, "Employment law", "Family and medical leave", FMLA, Leave

HR Services receives many questions regarding what an employer is allowed to ask of an employee who is out or planning to be out on family and medical leave (FML).

tagged: Benefits, "Family and medical leave", FMLA, Leave

On September 22, 2020, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced a proposed rule addressing how to determine whether a worker is an employee under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) or an independent contractor.

tagged: "Department of Labor", DOL, "Fair Labor Standards Act", FLSA

The beginning of this school year has resulted in more staff than usual starting the year on long-term leave, and districts have asked TASB HR Services if they are required to advance leave to these employees.

tagged: Benefits, "Employment law", "Family and medical leave", FMLA, Leave

At the start of each school year employers often ask if state and federal posters need to be updated.

tagged: "Employee notices", "Worksite posting"

Employees typically have a plethora of leave options available, but multiple exposures and incidents of COVID-19 illnesses are causing employees to exhaust leave entitlements.

tagged: Benefits, "Employment law", Leave, "Temporary disability leave"

Determining eligibility for family medical leave (FML) is challenging for employers who paid employees to be idle during spring closures.

tagged: Benefits, "Employment law", FMLA, Leave

In remote work arrangements, the employer’s obligation to track hours worked but not scheduled can present more questions than answers.

tagged: Compensation, "Fair Labor Standards Act", FLSA, Nonexempt

Governor Abbott has issued a waiver allowing certain educator certification candidates to qualify for a one-year probationary certificate without meeting some requirements so they may be certified for the 2020–2021 school year.

tagged: Certification, Hiring, HR, Recruiting

New Title IX regulations, effective August 14, 2020, focus on a school’s response to allegations of sexual harassment and added specific due process procedures.

tagged: "EEOC compliance", "Employee handbook", "Employment law", HR

The Department of Labor (DOL) published new model FMLA forms on July 16, 2020.

tagged: "Family and medical leave", FMLA, HR, Leave

In response to the public health situation, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) continues to update the Public Health Planning Guidance.

tagged: COVID-19, "Epidemic Response", HR, TEA

School districts are reporting new hires are having difficulty finding fingerprinting service providers that are open for business, and individuals are having to wait more than 10 days for an available appointment at open locations.

tagged: "Criminal history", "Employment law", "Epidemic Response", HR

Worksite accommodation requests are on the rise as staff get ready to return to the workplace, resulting in the need for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) interactive process.

tagged: ADA, "Employment law", "Epidemic Response", HR

School districts have a higher proportion of female employees than many other industries, which means districts have many staff each year who get pregnant and take leave for childbirth, recovery from childbirth, and baby bonding.

tagged: COVID-19, FMLA, HR, Leave

Reports of school district employee resignations and terminations as a result of offensive race-related social media posts have increased.

tagged: HR, "Social media practices", Termination

All local government employees—anyone who has access to a local government computer system or database and elected officials—were required to complete a cybersecurity training program by June 14, 2020.

tagged: "HR training", "Professional development"

As employers receive more and more requests for Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) leave, they will want to ensure requests are legitimate.

tagged: Benefits, COVID-19, "Family and medical leave", Leave

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) technical assistance questions and answers, “What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws,” were updated on June 11, 2020.

tagged: ADA, COVID-19, "EEOC compliance", "Employment law"

Governor Abbott has suspended certain provisions of law and rules allowing new and continued certification for identified certification candidates as indicated in the Texas Education Agency (TEA) Educator Certification Updates dated June 8, 2020.

tagged: Certification, Hiring, Recruiting

As workplaces begin to reopen, we’ve received more questions from members about administering leave, continuation of remote work, workplace safety, and what to do when an employee is diagnosed or exposed to COVID-19.

tagged: ADA, COVID-19, Employment, Leave

The TASB 2020 Model Employee Handbook and the Community College model, updated with the most recent guidance and legal requirements, are now available in myTASB.

tagged: "Employee handbook", HR

A well-written employee handbook can serve as a “best practices” guide for employers by communicating key standards and expectations for employees and explaining personnel policies and practices so they can be applied consistently and fairly.

tagged: DOL, "Employee handbook", "Employment law", HR

A temporary US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) policy provides employers with guidance on using expired identity documents for the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9).

tagged: COVID-19, "Epidemic Response", Hiring, "Personnel records"

COVID-19 school closures create a unique environment for navigating contract terminations and nonrenewals.

tagged: "Employment contracts", Nonrenewal, "Teacher resignations", Termination

Guidance related to educator preparation programs (EPPs) and field-based experience requirements, which have been impacted by school closings in response to COVID-19, have been posted to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) website.

tagged: Certification, "HR certification", "Teacher certification"

An employee request form for emergency paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave can now be found in the HR Library.

tagged: Compensation, "Family and medical leave", FMLA, Leave

Managing a remote workforce is a new experience for most education entities. The following are some of the questions districts have asked as workers transition from being onsite to working from home.

tagged: FLSA, HR, Nonexempt, "Personnel records"

While the Commissioner’s general waiver authority may allow school districts and charter schools to file a waiver for exemption from some aspects of educator appraisals, careful consideration should be given to this action. Pros and cons of filing a waiver should be analyzed to avoid unintended consequences.

tagged: DOI, "Employee performance", T-TESS

Modifications to the teacher job description provides documentation of new expectations, responsibilities, and working conditions.

tagged: ADA, "Americans with Disabilities Act", HR, "Job descriptions", Leave

TASB Legal Services provides guidance to school boards requesting that emergency powers be delegated from the school board to the superintendent.

tagged: HR

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) recently released guidance on Educator and Staff Issues during these times of uncertainty created by COVID-19.

tagged: "Employee performance", HR, TEA, T-TESS

The required worksite posters explaining employee rights under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) are available from the Department of Labor (DOL).

tagged: DOL, FMLA, Leave, "Worksite posting"

TASB Legal provides a Q&A covering employment questions related to instructional continuity during school closures.

tagged: HR

Employers taking employees’ temperatures to screen for COVID-19 will not violate Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) rules.

tagged: ADA, "Americans with Disabilities Act", "EEOC compliance", HR

New laws extending Family and Medical Leave and providing for emergency paid sick leave for absences related to the COVID-19 pandemic become effective April 1, 2020.

tagged: "Family and medical leave", Leave

TASB Legal answers questions regarding the legal principles relating to employee absences during an epidemic or school closing.

tagged: HR

The newest edition of The Administrator’s Guide to the Fair Labor Standards Act is now available for purchase in the TASB Store.

tagged: "Fair Labor Standards Act", FLSA, HR

Involuntarily placing an employee on temporary disability leave (TDL) when their medical condition interferes with the performance of their regular duties can be a difficult but necessary decision.

tagged: "Employee discipline", "Employment law", Leave, "Temporary disability leave"

On January 12th the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) released revised regulations and guidance regarding the determination of joint employer status under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

tagged: "Department of Labor", DOL, "Employment law", "Fair Labor Standards Act", FLSA, "Independent contractor"

A well-written and up-to-date job description could be the key to successfully avoiding or fending off an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) discrimination case against your district.

tagged: ADA, "Americans with Disabilities Act", "EEOC compliance", Hiring, "Job descriptions"

The interactive process is used to determine whether an effective and reasonable accommodation is available for an employee under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

tagged: ADA, "Americans with Disabilities Act", "Employment law", HR

SBEC is taking public comment until February 3, 2020 on some certification rules that may impact the work HR leaders do in school districts.

tagged: Certification, HR, TEA

Initial users of the Do Not Hire Registry have posed some interesting questions, including “Who should districts expect to see on the list?” and “Is it necessary to check all current employees?”

tagged: Certification, "Criminal history", Employment, Hiring

Districts interested in applying for the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) must submit a letter of intent to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) by Friday, January 24, 2020.

tagged: Compensation, "Employee performance", TEA, "Texas Education Agency"

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has redesigned Form W-4 to increase simplicity, privacy, and accuracy.

tagged: "Employment law", HR

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced a deadline extension of Forms 1095 from January 31 to March 2.

tagged: ACA, "Affordable Care Act", HR

Educational aides seeking teacher certification now have the opportunity to complete their clinical teaching without the financial hardship of an unpaid student teaching assignment.

tagged: Certification, HR, Retention, "Teacher certification"

Employers responding to an absence request for religious observance need to consistently apply access to leave benefits.

tagged: Diversity, "EEOC compliance", "Employment law"

An employee’s access to state personal leave is determined by the reason for leave and local policy provisions.

tagged: HR, "HR training", Leave

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is making changes to the process for collecting teacher and special education paraprofessional data.

tagged: Certification, "Employee surveys", TEA

The list of certified cybersecurity training programs required by House Bill 3834 of the 86^th Texas Legislature is available on the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) webpage.

tagged: Employment, "Professional development"

The commissioner issued three decisions providing guidance on personnel matters. These decisions address suspension of a teacher without pay, termination of a probationary contract, and an employee’s failure to timely grieve issuance of a probationary contract.

tagged: "Educator contracts", "Employment contracts", Termination

This is part 1 of 4 HRX posts related to the new federal overtime rule. On September 24, the Department of Labor (DOL) released final regulations updating the salary threshold for exempt status. The changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) take effect January 1, 2020. 

tagged: Compensation, "Department of Labor", "Exemption status", "Fair Labor Standards Act", FLSA

This is part 2 of 4 HRX posts related to the new federal overtime rule. In this post, we’ll explore how to calculate weekly salaries for compliance checks.

tagged: Compensation, "Department of Labor", DOL, "Exemption status", "Fair Labor Standards Act", FLSA

This is part 3 of 4 HRX posts related to the new federal overtime rule. The most important factor to making a smooth transition is to communicate changes in a clear and effective way. Plan ahead and start talking to employees and supervisors about the proposed changes as soon as possible.

tagged: Compensation, "Department of Labor", DOL, "Exemption status", "Fair Labor Standards Act", FLSA

This is part 4 of 4 HRX posts related to the new federal overtime rule. This post will help you decide when to implement changes. 

tagged: Compensation, "Department of Labor", DOL, "Exemption status", "Fair Labor Standards Act", FLSA

On September 24, 2019, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced a final rule that will make 1.3 million American workers newly eligible for overtime pay.

tagged: Compensation, "Department of Labor", "Exemption status", "Fair Labor Standards Act", FLSA

While you may be familiar with how Family and Medical Leave (FML) generally works, many are surprised to find out that it’s not as straight-forward for spouses working at the same employer.

tagged: FMLA, HR, Leave

The Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) is now accepting applications to certify cybersecurity training programs.

tagged: Employment, "Professional development"

The Department of Labor (DOL) this morning announced final updates to the Fair Labor Standards Act, slated to take effect January 1, 2020.

tagged: FLSA, HR, Overtime

The current Employment Verification Form (Form I-9) was due to expire on August 31, 2019.

tagged: "Department of Labor", DOL, Employment, "Employment law", Hiring

The proposed amendment adds a new subsection defining child abuse or neglect, other maltreatment, and trafficking of a child to align with statute.

tagged: "Employee handbook", "HR training", "Professional development", TEA, "Texas Education Agency"

A recent decision from the highest court in Massachusetts emphasizes the risk employers take on employment actions based on outrage or emotion rather than reason.

tagged: ADA, "Americans with Disabilities Act", "Family and medical leave", FMLA, Leave, Termination

The DOL opened a 60-day public comment period on proposed revisions to the FMLA forms.

tagged: "Department of Labor", DOL, "Family and medical leave", FMLA, Leave

The DOL's most recent opinion letter concludes intermittent family and medical leave FML can be used for an employee’s attendance at her son or daughter’s IEP meetings.

tagged: "Family and medical leave", FMLA, Leave

School districts are required to provide a coordinated school health program for students, but a registered nurse (RN) is not required on each campus.

tagged: Compensation, "Employment contracts", Staffing

Districts seeking detailed information on the legislative changes to TRS can now view training videos on YouTube.

tagged: Benefits, "Health insurance", "Teacher Retirement System", TRS

Learn about Title IX, the federal statute that prohibits sex discrimination in any educational program receiving federal funds. 

tagged: Diversity, "EEOC compliance", "Employee notices", "HR training", "Job descriptions"

Review the several personnel-related bills passed during the 86^th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature in this article. 

tagged: "Criminal history", HR, TEA, "Texas Education Agency"

House Bill 3 repealed the provisions authorizing SBEC to issue new or renew master teacher certifications. 

tagged: Certification, TEA, "Teacher certification", "Texas Education Agency"

Guidance on how to best communicate compensation increases for 2019-2020 is now available in the HR Library.

tagged: Compensation, "Pay increases", "Payday law", "Teacher Pay"

TEA continues to release new guidance on its dedicated HB 3 website and the latest items relate to teacher pay planning.

tagged: Compensation, TEA, "Teacher Pay", "Texas Education Agency"

This article provides a summary of bills passed in the 86^th Regular Session of the Texas Legislature addressing certification requirements for educators and licensing requirements for certain professionals.

tagged: Certification, TEA, "Teacher certification", "Texas Education Agency"

Several bills passed in the legislative session included provisions requiring additional training for staff. Read about them here.

tagged: "HR training", "Teacher training"

Review some of the legislative changes involving the Teacher Retirement System.

tagged: "Teacher Retirement System", TRS, "TRS ActiveCare", "TRS Care", "TRS surcharge"

Are districts required to conduct ethics training for their staff? Find out in this Q&A.

tagged: "HR training", "Professional development", "Teacher training"

What is the penalty-free resignation date and how does HR calculate it? Find out in this Q&A.

tagged: "Educator contracts", "Employment contracts", "Teacher contracts", Termination

We've answered some of the most commonly asked questions about HB3, from calculating increases to defining a full-time employee and much more. 

tagged: Compensation, "Pay increases", Salaries

The DOL issued an opinion letter clarifying neither employers nor employees may delay or decline designation of FMLA protection for a qualifying condition.

tagged: "Department of Labor", DOL, "Family and medical leave", FMLA, HR, Leave

The compensation requirements in HB 3 are broad and give districts flexibility in deciding how best to implement pay increases.

tagged: Compensation, "Pay increases", Salaries

At a press conference this afternoon, the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker of the House presented a brief summary of changes to educator pay approved in House Bill (HB) 3.

tagged: Compensation, "Pay increases", "Teacher Pay"

District coordinators looking for help understanding leave benefits and managing the process can rely on various HR Services resources to make their jobs easier.

tagged: "Family and medical leave", FMLA, "HR training", Leave

Are districts required to translate the employee handbook for employees that are not literate in English? Find out in this Q&A.

tagged: "Employee handbook", "English as a Second Language"

When it comes to reporting suspected child abuse, school district HR has a responsibility to make sure the district employee handbook outlines its requirements and to remind employees they could face severe penalties for failure to report their suspicions.

tagged: "Employee discipline", "Employee handbook", "Employee notices", "Teacher training"

Learn how to respond to and resolve no-match letters when you get them. 

tagged: "Employment law", Hiring, "Personnel records"

Classifying a worker as an employee or an independent contractor presents a number of challenges. Here's the right way to make that determination.

tagged: Employment, "Employment contracts", "Independent contractor"

Learn how to sort out the legal standards applicable to probationary, term, and continuing contracts.

tagged: contracts, "Educator contracts", "Employment contracts", "Independent contractor", "Teacher contracts"

Identifying what type of paid leave applies when an employee needs extended leave to care for a family member is just as important as determining eligibility for family and medical leave.

tagged: "Family and medical leave", FMLA, Leave

Read this report for details on the new proposed rule changes to the FLSA.

tagged: "Fair Labor Standards Act", FLSA, Overtime

The most significant changes this year relate to clarifying the assignment of duties under a contract.

tagged: contracts, "Educator contracts", "Employment contracts", "Teacher contracts"

What type of certification can districts require when an employee requests FMLA for adoption or foster placement or to care for a newborn? Find out in this Q&A.

tagged: "Department of Labor", DOL, "Family and medical leave", FMLA

Are there restrictions on scheduling itinerant teachers’ planning periods? Find out in this Q&A!

tagged: Employment, Retention, TEA, "Texas Education Agency"

Can districts provide employees with an electronic W-2? Find out in this Q&A.

tagged: Compensation, "Employee notices", "Personnel records", Salaries

A recent post on the TASBO Open Forum explains the importance of timely response to last month’s IRS notices regarding alleged violations of the ACA employer mandates.

tagged: ACA, "Affordable Care Act"

How much time are districts required to provide for an employee to express breast milk? Find out in this quick Q&A.

tagged: Benefits, "Employment law", "Fair Labor Standards Act", FLSA, "Wage and hour"

With more than 25,000 ADA charges filed by the EEOC in the past year, it’s more prudent than ever for employers to understand what’s required of them by law.

tagged: ADA, "Americans with Disabilities Act", "Employment law"

The federal electronic employment eligibility verification service, E-Verify, has been temporarily disabled because of a lapse in funding.

tagged: Employment, "Employment law"

Is an uncertified teacher hired under a school district teaching permit or in a position covered by a district of innovation plan entitled to a Chapter 21 contract?

tagged: Certification, "Districts of innovation", DOI, "Educator contracts", Hiring

The IRS announced a 3.5-cent increase in standard mileage rates for the 2019 calendar year, which will go into effect January 1. 

tagged: "Internal Revenue Service", IRS

The holidays are upon us, as are the calls about pay and benefits during the holiday break. Read December’s myths to make sure that your district has a handle on both.

tagged: Compensation, "Fair Labor Standards Act", FLSA

The EEOC is offering courses that go beyond traditional harassment prevention training.

tagged: "EEOC compliance", "Employee performance", "HR training"

All districts receiving Title I funds must complete the PR1500 for each of their campuses, regardless of campus Title I status, by November 30, 2018.

tagged: Diversity, TEA, "Texas Education Agency"

A quick update on the status of potential FLSA changes.

tagged: "Fair Labor Standards Act", FLSA

Learn about the ADA's reasonable accommodation requirements. 

tagged: ADA, "Americans with Disabilities Act", Leave

Can a district pay noncontract employees when it is closed for an emergency? Find out in this Q&A.

tagged: "Educator contracts", "Employment contracts", "Independent contractor", Leave, "Teacher contracts"

Two new documents on the subject of educator misconduct are available on the TASB School Law eSource website.

tagged: HR

The ADEA protects applicants and employees who are 40 years of age or older from employment discrimination and harassment based on age.

tagged: "Department of Labor", DOL, "EEOC compliance"

While government entities are exempt from the TPA, charter schools are not. Learn more here. 

tagged: "Payday law"

Learn how to determine the amount of assault leave payments. 

tagged: Leave

We’re coming up on the one-year anniversary of the #MeToo movement, and sexual harassment remains a key workplace problem employers are trying to solve.

tagged: "Employee discipline", "Employee handbook", HR

Is a principal’s email to a teacher regarding a parent’s complaint public information? Find the answer to this question and more in today's Q&A.

tagged: HR

Learn whether or not it's permissible to pay 10-month employees over a 12-month period. 

tagged: "Department of Labor", DOL, "Educator contracts"

We answered frequently asked questions on managing FMLA to help you navigate the rules.

tagged: "Family and medical leave", FMLA, Leave

Political subdivisions, such as school districts, colleges and community colleges, cities, or counties, are now required to post a first responder liaison notice.

tagged: "Workers’ compensation"

Do athletic coaches have to be certified teachers or contract employees? Find out in this Q&A.

tagged: Certification

As with any law, some of the ADA's language can be misinterpreted. We've highlighted and explained four myths to clear up common uncertainties. 

tagged: ADA, "Americans with Disabilities Act"

Are districts required to pay employees for working outside of the official work calendar?

tagged: "Exemption status", "Fair Labor Standards Act", FLSA, "Payday law"

Multiple changes to the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program, including new vendors and limits to exam attempts, will go into effect at the end of August.

tagged: Certification, TEA, "Teacher certification", "Texas Education Agency"

Can districts use a third-party vendor to check the criminal history of student teachers and volunteers? Find out in this Q&A!

tagged: "Criminal history"

Must an interim or acting superintendent be certified? Find out in this brief Q&A.

tagged: Certification

The W3C added 17 new success criteria to its accessibility guidelines that primarily address issues related to handheld devices.

tagged: ADA, "Americans with Disabilities Act"

Assault leave is a common topic of discussion in the HR world, and we’ve outlined some of the basics with the Q&A in this post.

tagged: Leave, "Workers’ compensation"

The current FMLA forms, which are used to certify whether employees are eligible to take leave and to notify them of their leave rights, will expire June 30.

tagged: "Family and medical leave", FMLA

The Sample Records Retention Schedule for personnel records in the HR Library has been updated. Learn more in this article. 

tagged: "Records retention"

Immigration and Customs Enforcement significantly ramped up its worksite investigations during the past federal fiscal year and the agency recently announced it's planning to double down on Form I-9 audits this summer.

tagged: Hiring

When can a district issue a 1099, and when must a district consider someone an employee and issue a W-2? The answer is complicated, but we provide a detailed explanation in this article. 

tagged: "Independent contractor"

Can we terminate an employee who has exhausted all leave? The answer isn't as simple as you might think.

tagged: Leave, Termination

There are a lot of rules concerning teacher service records, but there also are a few myths. We’ve separated fact from fiction in this article.

tagged: "Personnel records", "Records retention"

The 2018–2019 update to the Model Employee Handbook (MEH) is now available through myTASB.

tagged: "Employee handbook", HR

Student growth measures will be a required component of the T-TESS in the upcoming school year. Here's what you need to know.

tagged: T-TESS

What documents must be kept in a former employee’s personnel file and where should they be kept? Find out in this quick Q&A.

tagged: "Personnel records", "Records retention"

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Civil Rap Back program that provides notification of employee’s criminal activity occurring outside the state of Texas is now available.

tagged: "Criminal history"

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) released today a fact sheet addressing the applicability of white collar exemptions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to common jobs in higher education.

tagged: "Department of Labor", DOL, Overtime

The Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently released five videos on Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) compliance designed to help employers more easily understand their legal responsibilities.

tagged: "Department of Labor", DOL, "Fair Labor Standards Act", FLSA, Overtime

Can school administrators change teacher work hours during the school year? Find out in this brief Q&A.

tagged: "Districts of innovation", DOI, "Teacher contracts"

Many districts are now using private companies to manage payment to game officials, but can they also use third-party organizations to pay other game help?

tagged: Compensation, "Department of Labor", DOL

Are districts required to participate in the Bureau of Labor Statistics Current Employee Statistics survey? Find out in this brief Q&A.

tagged: Employment, Surveys

During the past few years, Texas has increased its focus on improving prekindergarten programs as a means to improve early reading, math, and social development. 

tagged: "Teacher training"

As districts begin renewal processes, the question of how long someone can be employed by probationary contract arises.

tagged: Staffing

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced a one-cent increase in standard mileage rates for the 2018 calendar year, which became effective January 1.

tagged: HR

After the enactment of the 2017 tax act, the IRS has issued revised tax withholding tables for employees’ paychecks as well as withholding guidance this month to reflect the legislative changes.

tagged: "Payday law"

Does TEA audit continuing professional education CPE credit for renewable standard certificates? Find out in this month's Q&A!

tagged: "Records retention", "Teacher certification"

Where are districts required to publish or post equal employment opportunity (EEO) notices? Find out in this Q&A!

tagged: "EEOC compliance", "Employee notices", Employment, "Employment law"

It's important to understand the intricacies of workers' compensation—after all, providing those benefits for employees is required by state law.

tagged: "Americans with Disabilities Act", "Family and medical leave", FMLA, "Workers’ compensation"

Each year, school districts across the state give employees shirts emblazoned with the district logo to wear throughout the year. Are these items taxable income to the employee, even if it’s just a t-shirt? 

tagged: Benefits

In November, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced its decision to terminate the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Nicaragua and Haiti.

tagged: Employment, "Employment law"

TASB Legal Services recently updated the School Law eSource article, Employee Free Speech Rights.

tagged: "Employee notices"

A common mistake human resources administrators and managers make is asking employees on Family and Medical Leave (FML) leave to report to work.

tagged: FMLA

It’s important for HR staff to ask questions internally about what their district is doing to accommodate its employees.

tagged: ADA, "Americans with Disabilities Act"

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick posted another batch of interim charges to Senate committees to look into ahead of the next legislative session.

tagged: Compensation

Can we hire a TRS retiree as a substitute to fill a vacant position? Find out in this Q&A!

tagged: "Teacher Retirement System", TRS, "TRS ActiveCare", "TRS Care", "TRS surcharge"

House Bill (HB) 2610 changed the Texas Education Code by altering instructional requirements from days of instruction to minutes, providing districts greater scheduling flexibility. 

tagged: "Educator contracts", HR

The practice of nepotism has always been an issue in school districts across the country, and it’s important for human resources administrators to understand the details of what is and what isn’t acceptable by law. 

tagged: Employment, "Employment law", Hiring

The Texas Equity Plan Toolkit supports districts in the process of developing a district equity plan.

tagged: TEA

Does the Every Student Succeeds Act require newly hired paraprofessionals to be highly qualified? Find out in this Q&A!

tagged: "Professional development"

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) workers currently holding valid work permits may not be eligible for continued employment when the permit expires. 

tagged: Hiring, Staffing

As Senate Bill 7 goes into effect, districts are deciding how to respond. Learn more in this Q&A!

tagged: Employment, "Employment law"

The special session adjourned Tuesday, August 15, without the House and Senate coming to agreement on many of the governor’s 20 priorities.

tagged: HR

Effective September 1, 2017, the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) will begin issuing an intern certificate, as well as the probationary certificate. We note the differences between the two in this article.

tagged: Certification

Check out our recap of the 85th Texas Legislature and find out what bills passed and their impact on HR in districts. 

tagged: Certification, "Districts of innovation", DOI, "Teacher Retirement System", TRS, "TRS Care"

Texas legislators responded to a rise in reports on educator misconduct by passing Senate Bill 7 (SB 7) this session.

tagged: "Criminal history", "Employee discipline"

USCIS released the latest Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, on July 17.

tagged: Employment, "Employment law"

Improving website accessibility for individuals with disabilities is not only a good district practice, but a requirement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

tagged: ADA, "Americans with Disabilities Act"

Take a look at the new rates for next year.

tagged: Benefits, "Teacher retirement", "Teacher Retirement System", TRS

All major components of the Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) remain in place following a legal agreement with various teacher organizations in the state, according to Commissioner of Education Mike Morath.

tagged: T-TESS

USCIS announced a redesign to the Permanent Resident Card—also known as a Green Card—as  well as the Employment Authorization Document.

tagged: Diversity

Is the district required to remove access to an inactive employee’s information in the fingerprint clearinghouse? Find out in this Q&A!

tagged: "Criminal history", "Employee discipline"

Certain districts must develop a plan for how they will identify and address disparities that result in low-income students and minority students being taught by ineffective teachers.

tagged: "Teacher training"

Can a teacher withdraw his or her resignation once it has been submitted? Find out in this Q&A!

tagged: "Teacher resignations", Termination

The Texas Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 7 (Bettencourt) on Wednesday, March 8, which addresses improper relationships between educators and students. 

tagged: "Criminal history"

Are instructional employees eligible for intermittent family medical leave? Find out in this Q&A!

tagged: "Family and medical leave", FMLA, Leave

HR Services surveys cover Texas public school district practices for superintendent contracts, teacher contracts, and administrator and professional support contracts. Read our results here.

tagged: "Teacher contracts"

The most significant changes to the TASB Model Contracts in 2017 are those relating to the federal changes to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESSA) removing the requirement for teachers to be highly qualified.

tagged: Certification, "Educator contracts"

On November 14, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a revised version of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification.

tagged: Employment, "Employment law"

Do holidays count toward an employee’s FML entitlement? Find out in this month's Q&A!

tagged: "Family and medical leave", FMLA, Leave

Handling a request from an employee for a workplace accommodation is an important issue that must be handled correctly by all district staff. Following are some guidelines and reminders to help ensure legal and effective management of ADA accommodations.

tagged: ADA, "Americans with Disabilities Act"

What type of employee information can a district collect to use in the event of an emergency? Find out in this month's Q&A!

tagged: "Employee notices"

Can an employee whose significant other is expecting a baby take leave under FML?

tagged: "Family and medical leave", FMLA

Effective July 1, 2016, districts had to adopt the use of T-TESS (Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System) or a locally developed appraisal system that adheres to TEC § 21.352 and 19 TAC § 150.1007. 

tagged: T-TESS

Are districts still required to send parents notices regarding teacher qualifications? We answer and explain in great detail for this month's Q&A!

tagged: HR

As employer wellness programs have grown in numbers and sophistication, the EEOC has developed guidance on how these programs should comply with the ADA rule. Here are highlights of the requirements that your wellness program needs to follow.

tagged: "EEOC compliance"

Can we release personnel information to someone acting on behalf of an employee?

tagged: "Family and medical leave", FMLA, "Personnel records"

T-TESS, the Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System, is coming soon and it promises to be a sea change in the way teachers and instructional leaders work together.

tagged: T-TESS

With the highest number of discrimination charges in almost every major category, Texas is the state with perhaps the greatest need for Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) training.

tagged: "EEOC compliance"

Under the new T-TESS appraisal system, does the end-of-year conference have to be completed before we can recommend nonrenewal of a teacher's contract to the Board of Trustees?

tagged: T-TESS

As the reporting deadlines under the Affordable Care Act near, many new questions arise regarding compliance with the IRS.

tagged: ACA, "Affordable Care Act"

Where do districts draw the line on political activity at school?

tagged: HR

A new Administrator’s Interpretation on joint employment should be reviewed by districts that take part in an educational co-op or outsource school district functions.

tagged: Employment, "Employment law"

Educator misconduct cases seem to be in the news daily, keeping TEA’s Educator Investigations office busy. Director Doug Phillips talks about how the department’s new subpoena powers are working.

tagged: TEA, "Texas Education Agency"