HR Update

During the negotiations process, the Board and KEA agreeded to some language changes that limit the coursework that can be counted for advancement on the salary schedule. Please see this langugage. Online programs are still appropriate, but please do some checking to ensure that they are part of an online graduate program and not the self-paced or stand alone courses. In a nutshell...Idaho State and similar type coursework will not be accepted after September 1, 2025.

"Credits earned after the MA Degree must meet one of the following criteria: 1. Be related to an advanced degree such as an Education Specialist or Doctorate in related educational field. 2. Be in a second Master’s degree program 3. Be part of a program that may allow the teacher to teach dual credit coursework 4. Contribute to the staff member’s ability to add an additional endorsement or 5. Be in an area approved by the Superintendent or designee based upon the goals of the building or district. Additionally, online coursework and programs will be allowed, but self-paced online courses will only be allowed if they are within an approved program or otherwise in an area approved by the Superintendent or designee based upon the goals of the building or district."

We are beginning the process of identifying staff who have interest in Cottonwood Elementary for the 26-27 school year. Mr. Heilbrun sent a survey out a few weeks back and will begin to have conversations with interested people this week. This will be more informal compared to a traditional interviewing process. The goal is to help us identify individuals who have a passion for supporting students with behavioral and SEL challenges and who share the save visions and philosophies of the buliding. If you are interested and have not completed the survey, please find the link HERE.

It is important to note that right now we are focusing on certified staff only. No decision has been made on support staff such as para professionals and others. We have no intention of forcing any employee to move to Cottonwood and instead are looking for people who are the right fit!

Some information about planning for Retirement:

Are you approaching retirement and wondering how to make the most of your benefits? Join us for a free, informative webinar designed specifically for Nebraska educators like you.

What you’ll learn:

• How to choose the right NPERS pension option
• Understanding pre-retirement service purchase
• Coordinating benefits from NPERS, Social Security, and personal investments

Choose the date that works best for you:

• Wednesday, January 14th at 6:30 PM CST
• Thursday, February 12th at 6:30 PM CST
• Tuesday, March 24th at 6:30 PM CST
• Wednesday, April 15th at 6:30 PM CST
  This Session is specifically designed for Single Educators
• Wednesday, May 13th at 6:30 PM CST

Whether retirement is just around the corner or a few years away, this webinar will help you make informed decisions and feel confident about your future.

Reserve your spot today and take the first step toward a secure retirement.

Can’t attend live? No problem!
Register anyway and we’ll send you a recording of the session the following day.

Spouses are welcome to attend as well!

Take the first step toward a confident retirement—reserve your spot today.

REGISTER HERE

Starting last year, we made some changes to our application process. We collect one pool of applicants for all positions which expedites our principals ability to see all eligible candidates. This received great feedback last year and we will continue it moving forward.

If you have friends or colleagues in other districts who are wanting to apply for jobs in KPS, all information can be found on the APPLICANT INFORMATION page of the website.

This page also includes the information for current staff who are interested in transfering to another position in the district.

Many District Leaders have been working to add some of the most frequently requested information onto our Staff Help Page. We hope that as the year progresses, this can become a great repository of information to answer your questions quickly and effectively. If you haven't seen it yet, take a look!

It can be found by navigating from the main KPS webpage and selecting Employement - Current Staff- Staff Help Page. While you are there, check out some of the other new resources on our updated webpage.

*Some peope have indicated that when they click on a link, it will give them old information or old links to documents such as the negotiated agreement. Tori says to clear your cache and it should solve the problem.

As I am sure you are already aware, this is our year for our external visit by NDE for our accreditation process. Your buildings should be talking about preparing for this visit and additional time will be provided during the October PD day to wrap up those conversations.

Please see the letter from Mrs. Paider to all elementary staff regarding changes with the PSD program in the future.

1. If you have a question...see the LEAVE PAGE

2. The 5% calendar is NOT live, it has to be updated manually, so a day WILL move to red before we catch it and update the calendar.

3. 5% overages should be for emergency circumstances only or significant events such as an unexpected wedding or doctor's appointment, not for newly planned vacations. See your principal to request an overage.

4. I have been getting questions about professional leave and PTO. See the leave page for more information on how/why the professional leave days were added into a staff members PTO bank.

5. Staff no longer need to complete the District Discretionary Leave form if they need to leave between 3:30-4:00 or arrive after 7:45. Simply follow the process outlined by your building principal.