April 24, 2015 Dear Team DPS, We are pleased to announce the publication of a comprehensive employment handbook available online for easy access by all team members. The handbook is the result of our ongoing review of all DPS Board of Education policies to bring them in line with current federal and state laws and district practice. Through that process, as the Board condenses its policy manual, there are many internal procedures that are important to codify in the employment handbook but that do not require a board-level policy. In addition, the Board has approved changes to the employee-related policies (policy manual Gseries). As the Board continues its policy revision process, we may see additional revisions to the handbook. The revised G-series Board policies and Superintendent Regulations: GBA, GBA-R1, GBA-R2 – Equal Employment Opportunity and Nondiscrimination: a policy governing employment practices and ensuring equal opportunity for protected classes; the regulations establish procedures for investigating harassment or discrimination complaints and employee requests for accommodations. GBEA – Conflicts of Interest: a policy governing employee conduct, such that no employee shall have financial interest in any activity that conflicts with his or her duties. GBEBA, GBEBA-R – Staff Dress Code: a policy establishing guidelines for employee dress for the purposes of safety, professional appearance, limiting distractions and promoting a positive work environment. Each school or department may adopt its own standards within the guidelines of the policy and accompanying regulation. GBEBC – Gifts and Solicitations by Staff: establishes guidelines for the giving, receiving or solicitation of gifts and/or money by district employees. GBEC – Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco-Free Workplace: establishes rules and regulations regarding tobacco, drug and/or alcohol use by employees, whether on or off district property, and whether before, during or after working hours. GBGB – Personal Safety and Security: a policy governing how the district handles allegations of student conduct against an employee. Examples of student conduct covered under this policy are assault, harassment, false allegations of child abuse and/or other alleged criminal offenses by a student against a teacher or school employee. GCF/GDF – Staff Recruiting/Hiring: a policy governing hiring practices and stating that candidates shall be considered on the basis of merit, qualifications and needs of the school district. For teaching and paraprofessional positions, the Board directs that candidates who meet the definition of highly qualified in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act will be given preference. Also establishes requirement for background checks for all candidates prior to hiring. GDQD, GDQD-R – Policy and Procedures for Dismissal of Full-time Classified Employees, Specialized Service Providers and Teachers in School with a Waiver of Statutory Dismissal Procedures: establishes procedures to maintain fair and equitable treatment of these employee groups. The remainder of the policies and regulations previously contained in G-series policies are now updated and included in the employment handbook, which will be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect changes in federal and state law or programs. Specifically, the handbook addresses the following topics: –Free Schools All employees are expected to familiarize themselves with these policy changes. Any questions about district policy should be directed to your supervisor. Sincerely, Human Resources- Employee & Labor Relations