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Classified Employee Handbook
| Handbooks | Table of Contents | Sections: 1 & 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 & 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 & 10 | 11 & 12 | Appendices |
IV. CONDITIONS OF WORK
A. Work Schedule (Policy 4740)
Working hours vary according to the specific job classification and the needs of the district. Hours for part-time employees is determined by the supervisor. Paid break time is outlined in the applicable employee's agreement.
Regular, dependable attendance is an essential function of each employee's position.
In the event of a school or community emergency, employees are expected to remain on duty as assigned, unless notified otherwise by their supervisor.
Full-time employees have an unpaid lunch break of 30 minutes. Employees may be entitled to paid breaks within the day, dependent upon the employee agreement. Classified employees may not forego breaks to reduce the hours assigned in a workday.
C. Calendars (Policy Regulation 4710.1)
Calendars are issued annually denoting the anticipated work schedule and are subject to revision by the Human Resources Division.
D. Personnel Records (Policy 4330)
Official personnel records shall be maintained by the Human Resources Division according to state and federal laws.
Personnel files shall be available for inspection by the employee in the presence of an administrator, except pre-employment and job promotion materials including confidential references. Any employee shall, upon his or her request, have access to his or her personnel file maintained by the district and shall have the right to attach a written response to any item in such file. An employee may, in writing, authorize any other person to have access to such file. Such authorization shall be honored by the district.
No other person, except school officials engaged in their professional duties, shall be granted access to such file nor should the contents thereof be divulged in any manner to any unauthorized person.
Attorney communications files may also be maintained by the Human Resources Division. These files and the records in them are made and kept for the purpose of facilitating the rendition of professional legal services to the District. Attorney communications files include attorney-client privileged information, or work product of the District and an attorney in furtherance of the rendition of professional legal services, and are not part of employee personnel files.
E. Change of Address/Name/Phone
Employees should notify the Payroll Department of any change in telephone number, address or name. Name and address changes must be in writing, and, in order to implement the name change, the employee must provide a social security card with the new name on it. Address/name change forms are available in the Payroll templates folder or in the school offices or from the Payroll Department.
Lincoln Public Schools is committed to employing and retaining the best personnel possible. In order to maintain a high standard of performance, a system of periodic appraisals has been established.
Each employee will be appraised according to the schedule established for his/her group. Supervisors reserve the right to appraise staff more frequently on an as-needed basis. Each employee will receive a copy of the appraisal. The official copy of the appraisal will be placed in the employee's personnel file in Human Resources. Appraisal forms are found in the addendum to this handbook. The appraisal schedules and formats are subject to change.
G. Travel Reimbursement/Use of Personal Vehicles to Transport Students (Policy 4650)
Reimbursement for authorized mileage will be paid to employees required to drive their own vehicles during their regular scheduled working hours between work sites. Claims will not be honored unless the travel has been authorized by the appropriate supervisor or director.
The State of Nebraska determines the allowable rate, unless otherwise required by law. Mileage reimbursement is intended to cover the costs of operation of a personal vehicle to include gas, repairs, insurance, etc. Employees who are required to travel must carry the automobile liability insurance required by the State of Nebraska. The district does not assume responsibility for vehicles or other property damaged while in the course of travel related to job duties.
Employees are not required to use their personal vehicles to transport students and are discouraged from this practice. Employees who volunteer to use their personal automobile to transport students must have a valid driver's license and proof of insurance. If you transport students in your personal vehicle, you are responsible for any injury or accident. All passengers must wear seat belts.
Rules and information about the use of district-owned vehicles are found in Appendix G.
H. Physical or Mental Impairment
Any employee who feels they have a physical or mental impairment, which requires a work accommodation, is the contact the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Coordinator at 436-1579. You will schedule an accommodation plan meeting to discuss if you have a disability as defined by American with Disabilities Act, and what, if any, accommodations are available. It is the employee's responsibility to provide medical documentation concerning the impairment.
I. Use of District Computer Network and Internet
Some district employees have access to the district computer network and the Internet for the enhancement and support of student instruction. It is important to remember that the equipment and the software are the property of the school district.
In using the computers and the Internet, employees are agreeing to the following.
1. Since copyright laws protect software, employees will not make unauthorized copies of software found on school computers by any means.
2. Employees will not give, lend, or sell copies of software to others unless the original software is clearly identified as shareware or in the public domain.
3. If an employee downloads public domain programs for personal use or non-commercially redistributes a public domain program, the employee assumes all risks regarding the determination of whether a program is in the public domain.
4. Employees are not permitted to knowingly access information that is profane, obscene or offensive toward a group or individual based upon race, gender, national origin or religion. Further, employees are prohibited from placing such information on the Internet.
5. Employees will protect the privacy of other computer users' areas by not accessing their passwords without written permission.
6. Employees will not copy, change, read, or use another person's files.
7. Employees will not attempt to gain unauthorized access to system programs or computer equipment.
8. Employees will not use computer systems to disturb or harass other computer users by sending unwanted mail or by other means.
9. Employees will not disclose their passwords and account names to anyone or attempt to ascertain or use anyone else's password and account name.
10. Employees will not attempt to login to the system as a system administrator.
11. Employees understand that the intended use of all computer equipment is to meet instructional objectives.
12. Employees will not waste or take supplies, such as paper, printer ribbons, toner, and diskettes that are provided by Lincoln Public Schools.
13. Employees will not use the network for financial gain or for any commercial or illegal activity.
14. Attempts to bypass security systems on computer workstations or servers, or vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges. Malicious attempts to harm or destroy data of another employee, or data that resides anywhere on the Lincoln Public Schools network or on the Internet, or the uploading or creation of computer viruses are forbidden.
15. Lincoln Public Schools will not be responsible for any liabilities, costs, expenses, or purchases incurred by the use of LPS telecommunications systems such as the Internet. This includes, but is not limited to, the purchase of on-line services or products. The employee is solely responsible for any such charges. The employee's signed application for an email account states that the employee is agreeing to indemnify the district for any expenses, including legal fees, arising out of their use of the system in violation of the agreement.
16. The Internet will be supplied for your use on an "as is, as available" basis. The Lincoln Public Schools does not imply or expressly warrant that any information you access will be valuable or fit for a particular purpose or that the system will operate error-free.
17. The Lincoln Public Schools is not responsible for the integrity of information accessed, or software downloaded from the Internet.
18. The system administrators reserve the right to refuse posting of files, and to remove files.
Any violation of any part of this agreement or any other activity which school authorities deem inappropriate will be subject to disciplinary action. Discipline could include but would not be limited to, the immediate suspension or termination of the employee's Internet account and computer privileges.
The Lincoln Public Schools Board of Education has adopted the following policy and policy regulation concerning the utilization of technology.
Technology Resources and Internet Safety Policy (Policy 3972)
Lincoln Public Schools adopts and shall enforce a policy of making technology resources available only to advance educational goals and objectives, supplement instruction and further school purposes. The operation and use of such technology resources by students, staff and the community shall be consistent with this policy. Technology resources includes, without limitation, computers and related technology equipment, all forms of E-mail or electronic communication and the Internet. The implementation of this policy shall include technology protection measures with respect to computers with Internet access, consistent with district standards, the Children’s Internet Protection Act or other law. The superintendent or the superintendent’s designees are authorized and directed, as part of the administration of this district, to establish and enforce regulations, forms, procedures, guidelines and specific district standards to implement this policy.
Acceptable Use of Computers, Network, Internet and Websites (Policy Regulation 3972.1)
School computers and networks, and other technology resources including, without limitation, computers and related technology equipment or networks, all forms of E-mail or electronic communication, websites and all access to the Internet, including all on site or remote access thereto through school accounts, hereinafter referred to singly or collectively as “Computer Use,” and all files or information stored therein or thereon are the property of Lincoln Public Schools and shall be regulated by Lincoln Public Schools. Any Minor, Student, Adult, Staff Member or other person who engages in Computer Use as defined herein, is a “Computer User.” Computer Users have no privacy rights or expectations of privacy when using the same. Computer Use and all files or information stored therein, thereon or linked thereto may be monitored, tracked, logged, copied, reviewed and accessed at any time without prior notice. Lincoln Public Schools has complete authority to regulate all Computer Use and Computer Users. Computer Use is a privilege and not a property right. Computer Use is not a public forum. Computer Use is made available subject to all board policy and regulations, these regulations, building guidelines, use agreements, handbook provisions, and all administrative orders or directives as issued from time to time. Computer Use is limited to current Lincoln Public Schools employees and Lincoln Public Schools business uses only. Computer Use shall not be permitted for personal reasons or for purposes that are contrary to the mission of the building site or the Lincoln Public Schools, unless deemed incidental, intermittent or occasional. Any Computer Use for profit is strictly prohibited. All Computer Users are hereby notified that any Computer Use as defined herein shall constitute an agreement by the Computer User to be bound by all Lincoln Public Schools policies and regulations, these regulations, building guidelines, use agreements, handbook provisions, and all administrative orders or directives as issued from time to time.
A. Definitions
1. Computer Use — Shall mean and include the use of school computers and networks and other technology resources including, without limitation, computers and related technology equipment or networks, all forms of E-mail or electronic communication, websites and the Internet including onsite or by dial-up or remote access thereto through school accounts, as well as any use which involves visual depictions, audio, video or text, in any form.
2. Computer User — Shall mean and include any Minor, Student, Adult, Staff Member or other person who engages in Computer Use as defined herein.
3. Access to the Internet — A computer shall be considered to have access to the Internet if such computer is equipped with a modem or is connected to a computer network which has access to the Internet, or which accesses the Internet by dial-up or remote access using a school Internet account.
4. Minor — Shall mean an individual who has not attained the age of 19.
5. Student — Shall mean an individual, regardless of age, including a Minor who is receiving educational services and is enrolled in Lincoln Public Schools.
6. Obscene — Shall have the meaning given such term in Section 1460 of Title 18, United States Code.
7. Child Pornography — Shall have the meaning given such term in Section 2256 of Title 18, United States Code.
8. Harmful to Minors — Shall mean any picture, image, graphic image file or other visual depiction that:
a. taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex or excretion;
b. depicts, describes or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an actual sexual act or sexual contact, actual normal or perverted sexual acts or a lewd exhibition of the genitals; and
c. taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value as to minors.
9. Hacking — Shall mean Computer Use or using the Internet to attempt to gain unauthorized access to proprietary computer systems.
10. Technology Protection Measure — Shall mean and refer to a proxy server managed by Lincoln Public Schools that blocks and/or filters Internet access.
11. Authorized Adult Staff Member — Shall mean and refer to an adult staff member of Lincoln Public Schools.
12. Adult — Shall mean and refer to all Lincoln Public Schools employees or staff members and any other individual, whether an employee of Lincoln Public Schools or not, age 19 or older, except a Student as defined herein, who is a user of school computers or engages in Computer Use.
B. Computer Use and Access to Internet by Minors or Students
Minors or students accessing Internet services or engaging in Computer Use as defined herein shall be subject to the following rules and regulations, along with any additional building guidelines, use agreements, handbook provisions and all administrative orders or directives as issued from time to time:
1. Minors or students shall not access information or material that is obscene, child pornography, harmful to minors or students or otherwise inappropriate matter for educational or school-related uses.
2. Minors or students shall not engage in Computer Use which involves hacking or attempts to otherwise compromise any proprietary computer system’s security or other unlawful activities by minors or students online or otherwise.
3. Minors or students shall not use electronic mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic or computer communications without approval of an authorized adult staff member.
4. Minors or students shall not disclose, use or disseminate personal identification information or personally identifiable information of themselves or others while engaging in Computer Use or while otherwise using or on the school account, computer, network or Internet.
5. Minors or students shall not engage in illegal activities on the Internet.
C. Computer Use and Access to Internet by Adults
Adults accessing Internet services or engaging in Computer Use as defined herein shall be subject to the following rules and regulations, along with any additional building guidelines, use agreements, handbook provisions and all administrative orders or directives as issued from time to time:
1. Adults shall not access material that is obscene, child pornography or otherwise inappropriate matter for educational or work-related uses or contrary to the School’s mission.
2. Adults shall not engage in Computer Use which involves hacking or attempts to otherwise compromise any proprietary computer system’s security or other unlawful activities by Adults online or otherwise.
3. Adults shall not engage in illegal activities on the Internet.
D. Technology Protection Measure
Lincoln Public Schools shall use a technology protection measure that blocks and/or filters Internet access to prevent access to Internet sites that are not in accordance with policies and regulations. In addition to blocks and/or filters, Lincoln Public Schools may also use other technology protection measures or procedures as deemed appropriate.
1. The technology protection measure that blocks and/or filters Internet access may be disabled only by an authorized staff member for bona fide research or educational purposes; (a) who has successfully completed district training by the Department of Instructional Technology on proper disabling circumstances and procedures, (b) with permission of the immediate supervisor of the staff member requesting said disabling, or (c) with the permission of a building administrator.
2. An authorized staff member may override the technology protection measure that blocks and/or filters Internet access for a minor to access a site for bona fide research or other lawful purposes during which time the minor will be monitored directly by the authorized staff member or his/her designee.
E. Adult or Minor Websites
Lincoln Public Schools has complete authority to regulate school property websites along with all content and posted link therein. This includes authority to shut down or remove any such website or posted link therein. All school property websites are bound by and must comply with all Lincoln Public Schools policies and regulations, these regulations, building guidelines, use agreements, handbook provisions and all administrative orders or directives as issued from time to time.
F. Violations of Rules
Any violation of Lincoln Public Schools policies and regulations, these regulations, building guidelines, use agreements, handbook provisions or administrative orders or directives as issued from time to time on Computer Use by any Computer User as defined herein, including access to the Internet may result in removal of privileges, reporting to law enforcement agencies and additional disciplinary action, including possible expulsion for minors or students or termination of employment for staff members or employees.
G. Objections
Objections to technology protection measures or related matters shall be handled under Regulation 6440.4 using the same procedures as are used for objections to the use of curriculum materials.
H. Severability
If any portion of this regulation or any section, sentence or word is held invalid for any reason, the remainder shall not be affected thereby.
J. Return of District Property Upon Separation or Leave of Absence (Policy Regulation 4400.4)
When, for any reason, employment ends, the former employee is to return all district property immediately. If the immediate return of district property is not possible, the employee is to return the property within one working day. District property includes but is not limited to building keys, name badges, teacher edition texts and district computer equipment.
Any employee granted a full-time leave of absence should return all district property prior to taking such leave.