Senior interim superintendent urges strict timekeeping to protect employees and public funds

Dr. Douglas Hendrick, senior interim superintendent of Clayton County Public Schools, urged staff to follow district timekeeping rules, saying accurate records are both a legal requirement and a sign of professional integrity.

Hendrick told employees the district’s professional agreements set expectations for conduct and that “accurate timekeeping is a professional obligation that speaks to adhering to laws and district protocols.” He linked careful tracking of hours to compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act and the district’s local board policy.

In his address, Hendrick warned of concrete risks from incorrect entries. “When time is entered incorrectly, even unintentionally, we risk payroll errors, potential violations, and the erosion of systems that protect every employee’s rights,” he said. He emphasized the special protections for non-exempt employees, noting federal and state laws require every hour worked to be recorded and compensated.

Beyond legal compliance, Hendrick framed the practice as central to equity and sound budgeting. He said inaccurate time records can “create inequities across work sites,” disrupt district payroll and budgeting, and “compromise the public’s trust” in stewardship of taxpayers' resources.

Hendrick called timekeeping "required, essential and non-negotiable," urging staff to view it as a safeguard rather than mere paperwork: “It is legal documentation. It is financial accuracy. And most importantly, it is a safeguard for you.” He linked consistent timekeeping to the district’s mission of operating as a professional organization that benefits students and schools throughout Clayton County.

He closed by thanking employees for their continued commitment to the district and asking staff to follow the district’s timekeeping expectations to help maintain fairness, accountability and compliance.