Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Personnel Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Hardy County Schools board approves emergency substitute-list policy for first reading
Summary
The board voted 5-0 to send a new emergency substitute-list policy to first reading, allowing current service employees who pass required classification tests to fill short-notice service roles (custodial, secretarial, bus driver where qualified). The board agreed to pay for tests and will roll out training and sign-up procedures if the policy passes final reading.
The Hardy County Schools Board of Education voted unanimously Thursday to send an emergency substitute-list policy (GDDA) out for first reading, a measure school staff said is intended to reduce unfilled service positions such as custodians, cooks and bus drivers.
Board Chair called the question after a discussion of how the policy would work and how staff would implement it. Proponents said the change lets current district employees who have passed the required service classification test temporarily fill roles that appear on the substitute roster when no outside substitute is available.
Dixie Bean, who spoke at length in support, said the list would contain only employees who have passed the appropriate test for each substitute classification and that the district would pay testing costs. "Anyone that's on the emergency substitute list, whatever they are signed up to substitute for, they still have to pass the service test that goes with that classification," Bean said. She added the policy is based on recent state legislation and that county systems already limit how often an employee may retake the test if they fail.
Board members raised questions about who could participate, pay and certification logistics. Staff clarified the policy applies to service personnel only; teachers and other professional staff cannot be temporarily reclassified under current payroll rules. Board members asked staff to prepare notices and training so employees understand pay breakdowns, overtime rules and reporting procedures before the list is used.
The board approved the motion for first reading by a 5-0 vote. Next steps include a written notice to staff, scheduled testing opportunities and a follow-up presentation at final reading that will include a timeline for implementation if the policy is adopted.
