Staffing Frequently Asked Questions 

Introduction

Staff members at schools proposed for consolidation and reorganization may have a number of questions about their positions for the upcoming school year. 

Below, we try to answer some of these questions. Once the consolidation list is finalized, DCPS staff from the Office of Human Capital will visit schools to provide additional information. Please note that no changes will take place before the end of the 2012-13 school year.

General Questions

Can staff members from consolidating schools move to the schools receiving their students?
We understand that many staff members have a strong bond with their current students. To the extent possible, DCPS will offer staff members from consolidating schools an opportunity to interview for positions at the school(s) receiving their students. But placements will not be guaranteed at the receiving schools.

When can staff members start interviewing with principals at other schools?
For schools which consolidate in June 2013, principals will begin to schedule interviews after their budgets for the 2013-14 school year are finalized in the spring. DCPS is committed to helping staff members from consolidated schools find new positions. Towards this end, in the spring, DCPS will hold a series of hiring events for staff members from the consolidated schools.

How can staff members learn about vacancies at other schools?
Once school budgets are finalized in the spring, DCPS will publish an official vacancy list on its website.

Can staff members at consolidated schools start transferring now?
No. The students at your school need you through the end of this year. As noted above, DCPS will work to ensure that employees at schools consolidating in June 2013 have multiple opportunities to find positions for the 2013-14 school year.

Can staff members participate in the school consolidation decision-making process?
Definitely. Information will soon be available soon about community meetings and other forums during which you can make your voice heard. You can find specific dates and times on the DCPS website.

Questions Related to WTU Members

How will school consolidation affect WTU members?
WTU members at consolidated schools will be subject to the excessing process as outlined in the Washington Teacher’s Union contract. Please note that no one will be excessed until the end of the 2012-13 school year.

What happens to excessed WTU members?
After being excessed, WTU members will have 60 days to interview for new placements. After that period, WTU members who are unable to find placements may be eligible for a buyout or an extra year of employment to find a permanent position. These options are only available to WTU members who are in their third year and beyond, and whose most recent IMPACT rating is Effective or Highly Effective. All other WTU members who are unable to find positions will be separated from the system.

Will excessed WTU members be given preference over external hires?
In accordance with the WTU contract, DCPS principals will have the authority to hire from whichever source they choose. That said, DCPS will work to facilitate the placement of as many excessed WTU members as possible.

Can WTU members affected by school consolidation still submit a Declaration of Intent to Not Return (DINR)?
Yes. More information about the DINR process will be communicated in the early spring.

Teamsters, AFSCME, and CSO Members (Except Principals and APs)

How will school consolidation affect staff members in the Teamsters, AFSCME and CSO unions?
For employees in job titles where the overall number of positions is increasing from this year to next, the employees will be guaranteed a job at another school as long as they have an Effective or Highly Effective rating. Those with lower ratings may be separated from the school system if they are unable to find a placement at another school. For employees in job titles where the overall number of positions is decreasing from this year to next, a reduction in force may be necessary.

How will employees know if the number of positions in their job title is increasing or decreasing from this year to next?
After school budgets are completed in the spring, DCPS will announce the list of job titles seeing an increase as well as though seeing a decrease.

Will staff members in these unions be given preference over external candidates?
Yes. DCPS will not hire external candidates until all employees with an Effective or Highly Effective rating have been placed.

Principals and Assistant Principals

How will school consolidation affect principals and assistant principals?
As we do every year, DCPS will evaluate all principals and assistant principals for reappointment in the spring. School leaders from consolidated schools may have opportunities to panel or interview at other schools. Principals and assistant principals who are not reappointed may be eligible to retreat to their last permanent position.

Contractors

How will school consolidation affect contracted employees?
Contracted employees, such as food service workers and security personnel, should contact their employer for additional information.

Additional Questions

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the DCPS Office of Human Capital by emailing dcps.hranswers@dc.gov or calling (202) 442-4090. We know that school consolidation can cause anxiety so please do not hesitate reach out!

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