September 6, 2010
Questions
1)  (New Question)
2)  What happens after I am employed by the Board of Education?
3)  What forms will I need to complete when I am hired?
4)  Will I need to submit fingerprints?
5)  Must my file contain transcripts?
6)  Must I show proof of test results?
7)  How much will I be paid?
8)  When will I be paid?
9)  How much will my paycheck be?
10)  What kind of retirement program is there?
11)  How much does the health insurance cost?
12)  Is Life Insurance provided?
13)  Are there dental and/or vision benefits?
14)  Do I have a choice of how I receive my pay?
15)  What do I wear to work?
16)  How do I make changes in my personal demographic information?
17)  Where can I obtain information about the District and my job?
18)  Are there ways to save for retirement?
19)  Does the District offer a flexible deduction plan?
20)  What should I do if I need to miss work?
21)  What if I am hurt at work?
22)  How can I find out what District Policy is on any given topic?
23)  How do I report problems with my classroom computer(s) or peripheral hardware?
24)  When should I contact parents to notify them of concerns I have with their child (before progress reports or report cards, and what is the best way to contact them?
 
Answers
1)  Q (New Question)
A No answer was supplied
2)  Q What happens after I am employed by the Board of Education?
A
You will be sent a letter explaining the offer of employment and the pre-employment matters you are required to complete prior to your effective first date of work. Requirements might include a pre-employment physical with drug screen, receipt of outstanding paperwork, TB test, background check with fingerprints, etc. The Personnel Department determines your first effective date of employment after the paperwork is completed.
3)  Q What forms will I need to complete when I am hired?
A
You will need to fill out and submit the following forms to the Personnel Department: Teacher Retirement System (TRS) or Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) membership and beneficiary forms. TRS is for certified staff employees, and IMRF is for classified employees; Criminal Background Check forms (State and local reporting); Child Abuse Reporting from; Eligibility form; Federal W-4 and Illinois W-4 forms; Insurance enrollment forms (health and life); A copy of your driver
4)  Q Will I need to submit fingerprints?
A
As a condition of employment, school districts are required by law to do a fingerprint based criminal history records check on all certified and non-certified applicants. (As per 105ILCS5110-21.9) The Regional Office of Education and local police department are assisting the District with this endeavor.
5)  Q Must my file contain transcripts?
A
Yes, all certified staff members are required to submit official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities attended. These transcripts should be mailed directly to the Personnel Department. Classified members are required to have proof of high school graduation (copy of diploma) or GED forms on file. Some classified positions required proof of 60 college hours and/or proof of passing a para-professional examination. If you are employed in a position requiring NCLB compliance with the
6)  Q Must I show proof of test results?
A
Yes, all certified staff are required to submit copies of Basic Skills Tests and Area of Concentration Tests. Classified staff are required to submit proof of Para-Professional or Work-Keys examination if working in an NCLB
7)  Q How much will I be paid?
A
You will be paid in accordance with the salary schedule negotiated by the respective collective bargaining agreement covering your position according to your level of experience (Step), Board of Education policies, and your educational level (grade), if applicable. If you are not represented, your salary will be determined by the salary schedule approved by the Board of Education for your job.
8)  Q When will I be paid?
A
Our District pays employees every two weeks. The first paycheck is determined by the finance department and is generally two weeks following the 26th pay in the last pay year. Paychecks are distributed Thursday afternoon or Friday morning of payday week. Those electing direct deposit will receive a duplicate check marked
9)  Q How much will my paycheck be?
A
That depends on the number of dependents to which you are entitled, as well as other expenses such as union dues, annuities, insurance, medical or dependent flexible spending accounts, etc., that you have deducted. It is also dependent upon your staff position and the wage agreement for that fiscal year.
10)  Q What kind of retirement program is there?
A
Teachers are enrolled in TRS (Teachers
11)  Q How much does the health insurance cost?
A
Each individual who is designated as a full-time eligible employee is provided health insurance and life insurance benefits paid by the Board of Education. In addition, the Board pays most of the dependent health premium with the exception of a mandatory $ 29 per month dependent deduction. This amount is fixed through the term of the current agreement (2001-2007). All personnel must observe eligibility and enrollment regulations. Open enrollment periods are usually in June with a July 1 effective date. Do I have vision benefits? Yes, customary limited vision coverage. Dental?
12)  Q Is Life Insurance provided?
A
The District provides $15,000 term life insurance for eligible employees. You may purchase an additional $20,000 term insurance at your cost with rates and rules determined by the life insurance carrier.
13)  Q Are there dental and/or vision benefits?
A
There are very limited vision and dental benefits in the health insurance plan. The District does not provide a standard dental or visual plan, so it is important to understand whether benefits are payable prior to obtaining treatment/service.
14)  Q Do I have a choice of how I receive my pay?
A
Perhaps. 12 month employees receive paychecks every two weeks. Some
15)  Q What do I wear to work?
A
The Board of Education has a policy or Dress Code that provides guidelines for dress. Certain job classifications require specific protective gear or special garments or shoes. Feel free to ask your supervisor if you have questions about dress.
16)  Q How do I make changes in my personal demographic information?
A
Notify the Personnel Department of changes in name, address, phone number, etc. Be certain you also complete necessary paperwork if a demographic change becomes a qualifying condition. For example, you become married and need to add your new spouse to the health insurance plan. TRS members have on-line demographic information change access into their system.
17)  Q Where can I obtain information about the District and my job?
A
The Board of Education policies are on-line at the District
18)  Q Are there ways to save for retirement?
A
Yes, employees may have access to 403b savings plans from which payroll deductions can be arranged. The finance department at the Board Office maintains a list of approved providers. IMRF members may contribute additional monies for retirement. Call IMRF for information @ 1-800-ASK-IMRF.
19)  Q Does the District offer a flexible deduction plan?
A
Yes, the District offers flexible deductions for child care expenses and qualified medical costs care not covered by the health plan. There are regulations with this plan, and employees are encouraged to obtain information from the finance department. The current maximum deduction for both types of expenses is $5000 per calendar year for each child care and qualified medical costs.
20)  Q What should I do if I need to miss work?
A
Each building/department will set up regulations for reporting off work. It is important to report absences in the proper manner to enable your assignment to be covered. Check with your immediate supervisor for exact procedures.
21)  Q What if I am hurt at work?
A
Contact the Personnel Department for assistance with work-related injuries. Report injuries to supervisor immediately and complete required forms within twenty-four hours.
22)  Q How can I find out what District Policy is on any given topic?
A
The District Policy Book is online at www.granitecityschools.org. Log onto
23)  Q How do I report problems with my classroom computer(s) or peripheral hardware?
A
If a problem exists with your computer, audio visual equipment or printer, please submit a request for technical service through TechCenter. TechCenter is an online work order tracking system. If your computer is not functioning, you may use the computer in the Teachers
24)  Q When should I contact parents to notify them of concerns I have with their child (before progress reports or report cards, and what is the best way to contact them?
A
Contact parents as soon as possible after a concern surfaces but no later than the fifth (5th) week of the grading period, as official