File: CF-R
Supervision of instruction is a professional service aimed toward the improvement of the teaching-learning process in the Buena Vista City Public Schools. Supervision of instruction is delegated and designated by the superintendent of schools to the director of instruction.
The work of the supervisor is directed toward providing leadership to teachers and other school personnel in the improvement of instruction. It involves stimulation of professional growth, development of instruction, development of teachers’; selection and revision of educational objectives, materials of instruction , methods of teaching, and the evaluation of instruction. Supervisory personnel are available to supervise sand assist teachers in all instructional areas.
Additional supervisory personnel will be added as needed and approved by the school board.
DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTION
Qualifications of the Director of Instruction
To be employed as director of instruction in the Buena Vista City Public Schools the candidate for employment:
1. Shall hold a master’s degree 2. Should have a minimum of thirty (30) semester hours of graduate study in supervision and related fields 3. Shall have demonstrated leadership qualities and personal characteristics for working with others 4. Should have had a minimum of three years successful experience as a teacher, administrator, supervisor, or school professional
Appointment of the Director of Instruction
The director of instruction shall be appointed by the school board on the recommendation of the superintendent
Term of Employment
The director of instruction shall be employed on a basis of twelve months.
Travel Reimbursement for the Director of Instruction
The director of instruction shall be allowed expenses for travel and shall be reimbursed for other expenses incurred in the performance of duties, as approved by the superintendent of schools.
Duties of the Director of Instruction
The director of instruction is responsible to the superintendent and to the school board for the total instructional program in grades NK-12. The Director of Instruction:
1. Coordinates and directs the services of the supervisors and consultants 2. Coordinates, directs, and provides the leadership for curriculum improvement within each of the schools in the division 3. Coordinates and directs all in-service and professional development activities 4. Assists in the supervision of classroom instruction 5. Coordinates the work of the guidance personnel 6. Coordinates the testing program 7. Coordinates and arranges for the services of resource people when needed 8. Coordinates and organizes textbook adoption committees 9. Coordinates and directs the development of the local curriculum 10. Interprets the instructional program 11. Coordinates and develops the Division Dix-Year Plan 12. Coordinates and directs the remedial programs 13. Coordinates the development of the teaching calendar and preschool activities 14. Assumes a leadership role in the development of division experimental and research programs 15. Coordinates and directs, local, state, and federal mandated instructional programs 16. Coordinates and directs the implementation of state mandated basic learning skills programs, vocational programs, state and Southern Association Accreditation and Compliance Reviews of the schools, and the Standards of Quality 17. Coordinates and directs the adult education and testing programs 18. Coordinates library and media services 19. Assists with the special education program 20. Serves as consultant to the principals and teachers on problems relating to instruction, needs of students, and classroom management 21. Assists in the recruitment and selection of prospective teachers 22. Performs such other duties as may be designated by the superintendent or the school board
Qualifications of the Coordinator of Special Education
To be employed as Supervisor of Special Education in the Buena Vista Public Schools the candidate for employment:
1. Shall hold the Postgraduate Professional Certificate
2. Should be certified as a Supervisor of Special Education and as a School Psychologist 3. Should have a minimum of thirty (30) semester hours of graduate study 4. Shall have demonstrated leadership qualities and personal characteristics for working with others 5. Should have had a minimum of five years of successful experience in special education
Appointment of the Supervisor of Special Education
The Supervisor of Special Education shall be appointed by the School Board on the recommendation of the superintendent.
Travel Reimbursement for The Supervisor of Special Education
The Supervisor of Special Education shall be reimbursed for travel expenses as approved by the superintendent of schools.
Duties of the Supervisor of Special Education
The Supervisor of Special Education is responsible to the superintendent and director of instruction for the special education program in grades N-12. The Special Education Supervisor:
1. Supervises and directs the special education program to include supervision of teachers of special education 2. Coordinates special education activities with the guidance personnel 3. Supervises and directs the special education testing/evaluation activities 4. Coordinates and directs the services of resource people for exceptional children 5. Supervises and directs exceptional children awareness campaigns, child find activities, and kindergarten screening 6. Assists with the development of the Gifted and Talented Program 7. Chairs the Special Education Eligibility Committees 8. Serves on the Gifted Identification Placement Committee and as a member of the Gifted Advisory Committees as needed 9. Assists in student testing and in evaluation of the Gifted and Talented as needed 10. Coordinates and directs Federal Special Education Programs including the maintenance of the K-6 Child Count Computer System 11. Serves as consultant to the principals and the teachers concerning the needs of exceptional children 12. Serves as the Compliance Officer for Section 504 Policies and Procedures as in charge of hearing such 504 complaints 13. Performs such other duties as may be designated by the superintendent, director of instruction or the school board
Relationships with School Board, Superintendent, Principals, Teachers
Cooperative planning and action are stressed in the work of supervisory personnel. The supervisory personnel’s relationship with the school board is through the superintendent of schools and the supervisory personnel work through the principals with the teachers.
Use of Professional Consultants
The Buena Vista City School Board encourages the use of professional consultants from the state department of education, colleges, universities, and other resource persons, when such consultative services will be helpful in the improvement of the instructional program.
Principals
Principals are the instructional leaders and the administrative heads of the schools to which they are assigned. Principals are directly responsible to the superintendent and represent the office in all matters relating to the operation of the schools in the City of Buena Vista. They must organize the faculties of the schools into effective units and together with the aid of faculty members, pupils, and parents, set the standards and establish the ideals of the individual schools within the framework of the rules and regulations of the Buena Vista City Public Schools and the State Board of Education.
Principals must be prepared to make prompt decisions, establish esprit de corps among teachers and pupils, build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships between the home and the school and carry out such administrative policies as will provide conditions within the schools that will results in good teaching-learning situations. In order to develop an effective instructional program within the schools, principals must work cooperatively with parents, teachers, and pupils in planning and carrying out all of the work of the schools. Through their self-control, thoughtfulness, consideration, courtesy, patience, and friendliness, principals set a pattern that determines, to a large extent, the professional and human relationships that will be evident in the various schools.
Qualifications of Principals
Persons appointed as principals in the Buena Vista City Public Schools shall:
1. Have been awarded the master’s degree in education and hold the postgraduate professional certificate
2. Have successfully completed professional education courses on a graduate level as required by state law
3. Have at least three years of successful experience as a teacher, administrator, or supervisor (Some of the three years experience should have been on the secondary level for the high school principal, on the middle level for the middle school principal, and on the elementary school level for elementary principals.
4. Complete an approved restructured principal preparation program in Virginia which includes a full-time internship. The internship must be a minimum of 90 days in length under the joint supervision of a university faculty member and an appropriate school administrator, preferably the building principal, and shall be inclusive of a full range of administrative experiences, including contact with students in ongoing instructional programs. Individuals who have completed all requirements in this option except the full-time 90-day internship will qualify for a provisional endorsement. These individuals must complete the full-time, 90-day internship during their first year of employment as an assistant principal or principal to be eligible for the full license.
5. Complete at least 180 points of professional development for recertification within a five-year validity period based on an individualized professional development plan.
Appointment of Principals
Principals shall be appointed by the Buena Vista City School Board upon the recommendation of the superintendent.
Term of Office of Principals
A person employed as a principal or assistant principal, including a person who has previously achieved continuing contract status as a teacher, shall serve three years in such position in the same school division before acquiring continuing contract status as a principal or assistant principal. Continuing contract status acquired by a principal or assistant principal shall not be construed as prohibiting a school board from reassigning such principal or assistant principal to a teaching position if notice or reassignment is given by the school board by April fifteenth of any year.
Evaluation of Principals
An annual performance evaluation shall be held between the superintendent and the principal. If the performance evaluation identifies problem areas or deficiencies, a written plan for improvement and a reasonable time to improve should be provided. If after a reasonable time, the deficiencies are not corrected, and demotion or dismissal is contemplated, the following procedures should be implemented: a. administrative conference prior to a recommendation to the local school board; b. if requested, an informal meeting in executive session with the local school board; c. if desired, the assistance of an advocate. The provisions of this section are to be procedural only.
General Duties of the Principals
The following general regulations shall be observed by all principals employed in the Buena Vista City Public Schools:
1. Each principal shall report to the assigned school early enough to allow sufficient time for preparation for an effective day of operation. (A normal day should begin at 8:00 A.M. and end at 4:00 P.M. unless an emergency arises or extracurricular activities dictate otherwise.
2. Any principal, prevented by illness or other causes from performing his/her duties, shall notify the superintendent.
3. The assistant principal, or in his absence a designee with the approval of the superintendent, shall be assigned to assume responsibility in the absence of the principal.
4. Each principal shall establish such appropriate rules and regulations, not in conflict with those of the school board, State Board of Education, or law, as may be necessary for the effective and efficient operation of his/her assigned school.
5. Each principal shall administer the school in accordance with the laws and regulations of the school board, State Board of Education, and state and federal governments.
6. Principals are requested to attend all regular school board meetings.
7. Each principal shall formulate an annual school plan that outlines the school’s improvement program for the ensuing year. The plan should be in conformity with the superintendent’s division plan and the school board’s long range plans.
Duties of Principals relating to Administration, Organization and Supervision of the Instructional Program of the Assigned School
In order to develop a sound instructional program, each principal shall:
1. Be directly responsible for the organization, administration, and supervision of the instructional program
2. Be responsible for working with the supervisory staff of Buena Vista City Public Schools for curriculum changes which may be necessary or desirable from time to time, as the needs dictate
3. Conduct studies, surveys, research, etc. under the direction of the superintendent, for the betterment of the instructional program
4. Visit the classrooms as frequently as possible to observe first-hand the instructional methods, materials, and procedures used by teachers with special attention given to beginning and substitute teachers and others in need of guidance
5. Cooperate with the director of instruction in developing a program of in-service training and supervision for teachers
6. Develop and continually review a program designed to improve instruction
Duties of Principals Relating to Teachers of the Assigned Schools
Each principal, in order to develop a sound and productive relationship with the teaching personnel, shall:
1. Consult with the superintendent concerning applicants for positions, interview all applicants, and recommend to the superintendent for the appointment, assignment, promotion, transfer, and dismissal of all personnel assigned to his supervision. 2. Assign teachers to such specific teaching duties, activities, and general duties as are necessary for the efficient operation of the school within the policies of the school system.
3. Interpret to teachers the rules and regulations of the school board, the State Board of Education, and the Code of Virginia
4. Advise teachers on methods of instruction
5. Confer with and assist teachers on problems of instruction and student discipline
6. Require the teachers to keep official records accurately and up-to-date and submit all required reports promptly
7. Evaluate the performance of all teachers
8. Provide the leadership for the development of a corrective action plan when a teacher is found to be unsatisfactory in his/her performance
9. Notify the superintendent when the corrective action for a teacher has not been implemented within a reasonable time
10. Notify the superintendent in writing on or before March 1st when he/she cannot recommend a teacher for reappointment
11. Hold regular faculty meetings
12. Maintain a current record of licensure and endorsement for each staff member
Duties of Principals Relating to Students
In order to provide for the general welfare of students each principal shall:
1. Have overall responsibility for the supervision of students during the school day, while being transported to and from school, on school trips, and during any activity or function sponsored by the school and attended by students (Code of Virginia 22.1-78)
2. Secure written permission from parents before students participate in school trips and file such written statements until the beginning of the next academic year 3. Hold emergency evacuation procedure drills in accordance with the Code of Virginia 22.1-137
4. Keep an accurate record of all non-resident pupils and make appropriate reports to the superintendent
5. Assist the superintendent’s office in the collection of tuition in an amount set by the board
6. Telephone or send a message to parents at once in cases of accident or serious illness of a student and if necessary, transport the student home, to the office of the family physician, or call the student’s family physician to the school, as the individual case may require
7. Make a careful daily check to discuss causes of student absences and to notify parents promptly when students are absent without a sufficient excuse Code of Virginia 22.1-258
8. Require an excuse from parents or guardians of students who return to school following an absence (a written excuse Is normally required of the student, but a verbal explanation to the principal by parents may be deemed sufficient)
9. Be responsible for students discipline including, when the case shall warrant such action, suspending students from attendance, immediately notifying the student’s parents by letter, and sending a copy to the superintendent (Should permanent expulsion seem necessary, such recommendation shall be made to the school board through the superintendent)
10. Assign each student an advisor (each high school student shall have on file an approved four-year academic program, approved by the student, parents or guardian, and advisor)
11. Hold the number of school sponsored entertainments, parties, etc. in which students participate, to a minimum; preferably such activities should be scheduled on weekends or immediately preceding a holiday
12. Assign a capable adult employed by the school board to be present and responsible for students during all activities sponsored by the school
13. Shall follow the requirements of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act as related to student confidentiality. Duties of Principals Relating to Partons and The Community in General
In fostering a harmonious relationship with partons and the community in general, each principal shall: 1. Establish and maintain a proper relationship between the home, school and the community.
2. Establish and maintain an active partnership with a business or industry
3. Promote the establishment and maintenance of an active parent-teacher association
4. Arrange such special events within the school as would better interpret the program of the school to the community
5. Review requests to distribute pamphlets, notices and other communications and, if in doubt regarding said distribution, seek permission of the superintendent before such distribution is made (If the superintendent is in doubt regarding the distributions, permission for distribution shall be denied until disposition of the matter is made by the school board in regular session. Written communications to parents and other citizens, sent home by students, carry the implication of endorsement by the personnel of the schools and the school board)
6. Prohibit sale, in and around school, of articles of any kind or tickets for any program except those given by the schools themselves or those for causes that have been approved by the school board
7. Prohibit advertisement in the schools for any causes not approved by the superintendent and the school board, with the exception of useful articles and advertising of community activities which shall be left to the discretion of the principal.
8. Restrict collections of any kind to be taken in the schools for any purpose other than for those for individual class projects or those approved by the superintendent
9. Forbid students to engage in community selling of articles in order to raise funds for school activities without permission of the superintendent and/or school board
Duties of Principals Relating to the Business Services of the Local School
In order to foster an efficient and accurate system of accounting and record keeping in each school, the principal shall: 1. Collect and prepare reports and compile data as shall be requested by the superintendent or required by the State Department of Education
2. Keep an accurate and up-to-date system of student accounting and cumulative records on forms provided
3. Keep student records confidential and make them available only to authorized persons in compliance with the Management of the Student’s Scholastic Record in the Public Schools of Virginia (Revised 1988) Code of Virginia 22.1-20, 22.1-287, 22.1-288, 22.1-289
4. Require that all funds collected in the school be receipted by persons receiving such funds and be deposited in the central school fund
5. Require that receipts, disbursements and other records relating to internal accounting be kept on forms recommended, and by methods stipulated in “Manual on System of Accounting for School Activity Funds, State Board of Education”
6. Instruct all persons that funds are not to be left in the school building overnight
7. Make financial records of the central school fund available at the school at all times for examination or audit as may be desired by the superintendent or the school board 8. Present a monthly financial statement to the superintendent
9. Present all fiscal records with substantiating data as of June 30th each year for audit by an auditor (CPA) employed by the school board
Duties of Principals Relating to Maintenance and Operation
In order to maintain an attractive, clean, and well kept school building, each principal shall:
1. Recommend the selection and assignment of maintenance personnel to the superintendent
2. Supervise all maintenance personnel assigned to the building principal, make periodic inspections of the school facilities and grounds, approve the work schedules of each maintenance person, evaluate the performance of each maintenance person on a periodic basis, and report any neglect of assigned duties, forthwith, to the superintendent, or the designated representative
3. Request requisitions for supplies, equipment, and repairs needed
4. Display the flags of the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia on school days, as prescribed by Code of Virginia 22.1-133
Duties of Principals Relating to Pupil Transportation
Students are under supervision of the school personnel from the time they leave home each morning until they return in the afternoon. Each principal shall assign a faculty member to supervise the loading and unloading of buses at school. Code of Virginia 22.1-78.
Duties of Principals Relating to the Use of School Buildings
In order to protect public property and to reserve school buildings primarily for the instructional use of students, each principal shall:
1. Provide for the general supervision of the grounds and buildings
2. Assure that all parties, dances, and other authorized social functions under school auspices be properly chaperoned and conducted, and that a responsible adult assumes responsibility for the conduct and safety of all students and others who are participating in a school sponsored activity (Students and their guests attending authorized social functions under school auspices may not leave the building in which the function is being held and return)
3. Control the sale of articles of food and merchandise on the school premises, with the exception of the cafeteria (Student organizations, with permission of the principal, may sell refreshments at school entertainments, dances, and athletic functions
4. Review requests for the use of school buildings by community groups referring said requests to the superintendent and/or school board for approval. (The secondary principal has the responsibility for renting the gymnasium and the cafeteria, the middle school principal has the responsibility for renting the auditorium, and the elementary principals have the responsibility for renting their respective cafetoriums at rates set by the school board.
Qualifications of Assistant Principals
Persons considered for the position of assistant principal should have the same qualifications as the principal. Code of Virginia 22.1-293.
Appointment of Assistant Principals
Assistant principals shall be appointed by the school board on the joint recommendation of the principal with whom the individual must work and the superintendent. Such recommendation for appointments is to be made through the superintendent to the school board.
Term of Office of Assistant Principals
Assistant principals are appointed annually with such beginning and ending dates of employment as may be set by the school board upon the recommendation of the superintendent. A person employed as an assistant principal, including a person who has previously achieved continuing contract status as a teacher, shall serve three years in such position I the same school division before acquiring continuing contract status as assistant principal. Continuing contract status acquired by an assistant principal shall not be construed as prohibiting a school board from reassigning such assistant principal to a teaching position if notice of reassignment is given by the school board by April fifteenth of any year.
Duties of Assistant Principals
Assistant principals shall, in the absence of the principal assume responsibility for the operation of the school, make any necessary decision involving pupils, teachers or other personnel, and perform such duties as may be prescribed by the principal. Also, in absence of the principal, the assistant principal shall act as the executive officer of the school.
TEACHERS
Teachers employed in the Buena Vista City Public Schools shall hold a currently valid teacher’s certificate in full force in accordance with rules of certification laid down by the State Board of Education. In selecting teachers, educational training, professional attitudes, scholarship, successful experience, health, character, and personality shall be used as criteria.
Any teacher who is not certified in the area must take, or be taking courses to correct this deficiency before being issued a contract for the next session.
Teachers should have a thorough knowledge of the subjects they teach, have sensitivity for children and youth, demonstrate a positive attitude in the work environment, and possess the ability to discover and develop the potentialities of their students to the end that all concerned shall be benefited.
Appointment of teachers is made by the school board on recommendation of the superintendent of schools. Teachers are under the direct supervision of the principals or head teachers with whom they serve, and their relationship with the superintendent, supervisors, and school board is through them.
Qualifications of Teachers
In order to qualify for appointment as a teacher in the Buena Vista City Public Schools each applicant shall:
1. Be a citizen of the United States, be at least eighteen years of age, and possess good moral character (The regulation regarding citizenship may be waived if such action is taken with full knowledge and approval of the State Department of Education.)
2. Have good health and no disqualifying physical or emotional handicaps (evidence of fitness to teach, from the standpoint of health, may be required from a qualified and designated physician)
3. Have an acceptable rating on past teaching performance (recommendations for teachers with experience shall include the most recent principal, superintendent or supervisor; beginning teachers shall present evidence of scholarship and character from college)
4. Hold or be eligible for a Virginia teacher’s license endorsed for the area of teaching in accordance with regulations for Teachers, by the State Board of Education that stipulates:
a. The Collegiate Professional and Postgraduate Professional licenses are subject to renewal for the period of five years.
b. Licenses may be renewed when recommendation for renewal has been given by the division superintendent;
c. Licenses may be renewed when 180 points or six semester hours have been completed in an accredited college or university, in courses recommended by the division superintendent;
5. Be willing to seek additional classes, training, and/or other valuable educational experiences as recommended by the Principal, Director of Instruction, and Superintendent;
6. “Begin a three-year probationary period after which a continuing contract” will be in effect” as approved by the Virginia General Assembly June 30, 1969.
Appointment of Teachers
The School Board of Buena Vista shall on the recommendation of the superintendent, employ teachers and place them in appropriate schools.
Assignment of Teachers, Including Principals By the Superintendent
The division superintendent shall have authority to assign to their respective positions in the school wherein they have been placed by the school board, all teachers, including principals, and after the school board has adopted a resolution authorizing the division superintendent to reassign teachers and principals, may reassign any teacher or principal employed by the school board to any school within such division, provided no change or reassignment shall affect the salary of such teachers and principals; and provided further, that appropriate reports and explanation will be made on the request of the school board.
General Duties of Teachers
In order to develop harmonious working relationships and to promote efficient functioning of the school, each teacher shall
1. Be under the authority, direction, and supervision of the principal of the school and follow the directions in a professional and cooperative manner, not only during school hours, but also during such times as students are on the premises before and after school hours and at special functions
2. Accept willingly any reasonable and special assignment by the principal
3. At a time assigned by the principal, arrive at school soon enough before the opening hours of the school day and remain long enough after the closing hour in the afternoon to give whatever supervision necessary for the welfare of students and the school in general
4. Make satisfactory arrangements with the principal before leaving school during class or school time for school business or personal business
5. Notify the principal or designee at the earliest possible time if inability to be present at school
6. Report immediately to the clerk of the school board any change of name of teachers (All records will be changed except social security which must be completed by the teacher)
7. Acquaint oneself with all policies, rules and regulations of the school board
Duties of Teachers Relating To Students
In developing productive relationships with students each teacher shall:
1. Respect each student as an individual and attempt to gain an adequate understanding of the needs, interests, abilities, aptitudes, temperament, and environmental influence, as a basis on which to meet the needs and to treat the individual with fairness and courtesy
2. Refrain from using classroom privileges and prestige to promote personal gain, selfish interest, partisan politics, or sectarian religious views
3. Follow the requirements of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act as related to student confidentiality
4. Help each student develop sound moral and intellectual values
5. Attempt to lead each student to an understanding and appreciation of democracy and endeavor to develop in each student a spirit of patriotism
6. Obtain permission of the principal or the designated representative, before permitting any student to leave the school premises for any reason
7. Have the prior approval of the superintendent and the principal before permitting sale of articles of any kind, or tickets for any programs except for functions given by the school
8. Prohibit school promoted sales by pupils in school of any food items as not to interfere with the school nutrition program
9. Carefully observe symptoms of illness in students and promptly report all cases needing attention to the principal including the administration of doctor prescribed drugs
10. Be responsible for the discipline of students in the classroom at all times and maintain a high standard of conduct and good rapport with students
11. Advise the principal before coaching any student for pay; in no case shall any teacher be permitted to tutor for pay a student who is currently enrolled in the teacher’s regularly scheduled classes
12. Make a careful check to discover causes of absence among students, consulting with the principal and contacting parents when irregularities are discovered and, after a reasonable effort has been made by the teacher and principal without favorable results, referring the case to the school truant officer
13. Encourage student’s cleanliness and good personal habits, punctuality, and diligence during their attendance at school
14. Exercise all possible precautions when students are asked or permitted to perform certain tasks in the school or on the grounds, and see that safety practices are followed by all personnel, students, teachers, and maintenance in such areas as laboratories, etc.
15. Accompany homeroom pupils on all planned trips and consult the office in all cases (Parties may be planned to take place during the school day at Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day and at the close of school.)
16. Visit the patrons whenever it is necessary for the good of the pupil or of the school
17. Have a voice in the return of unmanageable students to the class
Duties of Teachers Relating to Instruction
In order to promote effective and productive teaching-learning situations in the classroom each teacher shall:
1. Be professionally and personally responsible for the discipline, instruction and progress of assigned classes
2. Prepare, at the beginning of the school session, a daily program showing study and work periods
3. Have a general plan of each day’s work which will enable the principal to understand better the work in progress and enable the substitute teacher, when necessary, to take up the work intelligently
4. Aid in curriculum construction and revision when needed 5. Participate in in-service training programs and assist in planning of such programs
6. Adjust the instruction to meet learning styles and developmental level of the students utilizing all of the available school resources
7. Attend all meetings called by the principal or the superintendent
8. Develop, in a cooperative manner with the principal and supervisor, a plan for the improvement and enrichment of the instruction in the classroom.
9. Request all supplies, books, equipment, materials, and services, through the principal on the proper requisition forms
Duties of Teachers Relating to Records and Reports
In order to facilitate the making and keeping of necessary reports and records, each teacher shall:
1. Make out promptly and carefully such reports as may be required by the principal and the superintendent
2. Keep an accurate record of the attendance, physical development and academic progress of students. Such records shall be cumulative and filed in a manner prescribed by the principal and the superintendent
3. Give a receipt for all authorized collections of funds or money and deposit all such collections with the principal or authorized agency before leaving school each day
Duties of Teachers Relating to Care of Physical Property
1. Be responsible for the neatness of the classroom and the proper care of all furniture, fixtures, and supplies reporting all damages or loss to the principal and furnishing to the principal a requisition of property, supplies and equipment needed for the ensuring session
2. Report to the principal any neglect on the part of maintenance
3. Request repairs, housekeeping services, etc. in writing from maintenance
4. Be especially careful in the regulation of the temperature, ventilation, and lighting in the classroom and consult with principal if persistent problems arise in regard to the physical comfort of students
Duties of Teachers Relating to Professional Associates
In developing and maintaining constructive and cordial relationships with professional associates, each teacher shall:
1. Conduct school affairs through recognized channels of the school system and the profession
2. Maintain an attitude and personal appearance which strengthens public respect for the teaching profession
3. Be cooperative and loyal and manifest integrity in the daily relations with professional associates and at all times refrain from discussing confidential and official information with unauthorized persons
4. Refrain from criticisms of professional associates when such criticisms are not constructive and discreet. Criticisms or disputes among teachers in the presence of students and patrons is unjustifiable
5. Report to duly constituted authority any matters which involve the best interest of the school
6. Refrain from unprofessional acts which might impede school policies once agreed upon by administrators and teachers
7. Seek continued professional growth and efficiency in work
8. Attempt to work out solutions to problems in grade groups, subject matter groups, and committees, and to present recommendations to the principal who in turn will forward them to the superintendent and the school board
Duties of Teachers Relating to Patrons and Community in General
In order to develop productive relationships with patrons and the community in general, each teacher shall:
1. Seek to establish friendly and cooperative relationships between home and the school
2. Participate actively in and promote the work of the Parent-Teacher Association
3. Accept a fair share of the responsibility for interpreting the educational program of the school to patrons and the public in general
4. Encourage each student to maintain respect for and confidence in parents
5. Respect the home responsibility of parents for their children
6. Provide parents with information that will serve the best interest of their children, and be discreet with information received from parents
7. Arrange conferences with parents on school premises through the principal or guidance counselor
8. Adhere to any reasonable pattern of behavior accepted by the community for professional persons
9. Shall be encouraged to participate in community activities with due consideration for self, family, and obligations to students
10. Recognize that the Buena Vista City Public Schools belong to the people of the community and encourage community participation in shaping the purposes and objectives of the school
Secretarial and Financial Personnel
The primary purpose of the school secretarial or financial personnel shall be to help the principal or immediate supervisor serve the pupils, staff, and community. The school secretarial and financial personnel have a major responsibility in presenting a positive image of the school system to the patrons of the community.
Procedure in Applying for a Position
All persons seeking application shall:
1. File an application for secretarial and financial employment with the school board office
2. Furnish three personal references who can give an accurate account of the applicant’s character and abilities
3. Furnish a valid record of all previous work experience and training
4. Arrange for a personal interview with the principal or immediate supervisor and the superintendent at a mutually satisfactory time
Qualifications of Secretarial and Financial Personnel
In order to qualify as a secretarial or financial personnel in Buena Vista City Schools, each applicant shall:
1. Be at least eighteen years of age and be of good moral character
2. Possess a pleasing personality, be well-groomed and in good health
3. Possess the proper temperament to work with young people
4. Be a high school graduate
5. Be well qualified in clerical procedures and computer operations
6. All school secretarial and financial personnel must be available and willing to participate in programs or classes that provide continuing secretarial and financial education
Appointment of Secretarial and Financial Personnel
Appointment of secretarial and financial personnel shall be made by the school board on the recommendation of the superintendent in cooperation with the principal or immediate supervisor
Job Description
Secretarial and financial personnel are under the supervision of the principal or immediate supervisor. The school secretary is the principal’s or immediate supervisor’s representative and should understand and follow the principal’s or supervisor’s techniques in dealing with the staff, students, and the community. The individual should maintain a professional and business-like, yet friendly atmosphere in the office.
Secretarial and financial personnel should exercise no control or authority by words or action over students, except in the absence of the principal or immediate supervisor and then only such authority as needed to maintain order in the office to which they are assigned. Secretarial and financial personnel shall have no authority over teachers and other employees.
A. The elementary school and middle school secretarial and financial personnel shall perform such duties as may be assigned by their principal or immediate supervisor such as:
1. Typing letters, requisitions, reports, etc., filing correspondence and processing mail
2. Typing tests and examinations for teachers when time permits and typing and compiling faculty handbooks
3. Duplicating materials as requested by the teacher, principal, or immediate supervisor
4. Posting grades, test scores, and attendance on students’ permanent records during regular and summer school sessions
5. Maintaining all student data on computer
6. Assisting ill or injured children and notifying their parents and administering prescription medication to students with parent’s written permission
7. Answering the telephone in a business-like manner
8. Receiving and depositing all money collected and keeping computerized records of all school financial transactions
9. Preparing transcripts for students transferring to other schools and admitting new and transfer students
10. Ordering office supplies
11. Assisting the guidance counselor with secretarial duties
12. Typing student schedules and compiling class rosters and typing and compiling student handbooks
13. Maintaining records of employee sick leave, vacation, and holiday time and reporting monthly to school board office
14. Performing other such secretarial duties as may be assigned by the principal, supervisor or superintendent
15. Typing truancy letters for principal
16. Notifying parents when students are not in school
17. Compiling state reports for principal and guidance counselor
18. Processing mail
19. Compiling homework assignments for students when absent as requested
20. Assisting students with notes when absent, tardy, and checking out
21. Assisting principal with teacher and student evaluations
22. Posting information on file for withdrawal of students
23. Keeping attendance on all students and prepare monthly attendance reports
24. Shall follow the requirements of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act as related to student confidentially
B. The high school secretary and financial personnel shall perform such duties as may be assigned by the principal or immediate supervisor, such as:
1. Receiving and depositing all money collected and keeping computerized records of all school financial transactions
2. Answering the telephone in a business-like manner
3. Typing letters, requisitions, reports, and filing correspondence and processing school mail
4. Typing tests and examinations for teachers when time permits 5. Ordering supplies
6. Issuing employment certificates for minors working in the City of Buena Vista
7. Assisting the guidance counselor in the absence of the guidance secretary when time permits
8. Maintaining records of employee sick leave, vacation, and holiday time and report monthly to school board office
9. Performing other such secretarial duties as may be assigned by the principal, supervisor or superintendent
C. The high school guidance and student services secretary shall perform such duties as may be assigned by the principal or immediate supervisor such as:
1. Posting grades, test scores, attendance, and driver education data on the students’ permanent records in regular and summer school sessions
2. Scheduling parent-teacher conferences
3. Preparing transcripts for graduates and students transferring to other schools; admitting new and transfer students
4. Typing schedule cards and compiling classs rosters; typing student and teacher handbooks
5. Maintaining all student data on computer
6. Assisting guidance counselor in administering tests
7. Making college catalogues, trade school and occupational materials and information available to the students
8. Assisting the principal and assistant principal in the absence of the high school secretary and assisting the high school secretary when time permits
9. Performing other secretarial duties that may be assigned by the principal, supervisor, or the superintendent
10. Typing all suspension letters
11. Compiling and typing scholarship bulletins
12. Keeping student’s schedules updated as changes are made
13. Typing student and teacher handbooks, activities booklet, senior booklet, and junior booklet
14. Shall follow the requirements of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act as related to student confidentiality
D. The high school receptionist and attendance secretary shall perform such duties as may be assigned by the principal or immediate supervisor such as:
1. Answering phone in a business-like manner
2. Typing examinations for teachers
3. Duplicating materials as requested by teachers, principals, or guidance
4. Typing truancy letters of truancy officer
5. Processing eligibilities for sports which includes checking student eligibility and typing forms for mailing out to other schools and Virginia High School League
6. Assisting ill or injured children and notifying their parents
7. Notifying parents when students are not in school
8. Compiling state reports for principal and guidance counselor
9. Processing mail
10. Obtaining progress reports on students as requested by guidance
11. Compiling homework assignments for students when absent as requested. Also compiling assignments for students placed on TALC
12. Assisting students with notes when absent, tardy, and checking out
13. Assisting principal with teacher and student evaluations
14. Posting information on file for withdrawal of students
15. Keeping attendance on all students and prepare monthly attendance reports
16. Dispensing medication
17. Shall follow the requirements of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act as related to student confidentiality
Term of Employment
Secretarial and financial personnel are employed on a twelve-month basis and shall work the hours set by the principal or immediate supervisor and the superintendent. The normal hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with one-half hour allotted for lunch. Secretarial and financial personnel shall remain at the school during lunch when school is in session.
Suspension, Probation, Dismissal
A secretarial or financial personnel may be dismissed, suspended, or placed on probation for good and just cause by the principal or immediate supervisor with approval of the superintendent subject to review and approval by the school board.
Salary
Secretarial and financial salaries are based upon experience, training, knowledge, skill, ability, duties performed and required responsibilities as approved by the superintendent and the school board.
AIDES
The term “aides” in the Buena Vista City School System refers to classroom aides, special education aides, adult aides, and library aides and study hall proctors. Procedure in Applying for a Position
All persons seeking application shall:
1. Furnish three personal references who can give an accurate account of the applicant’s character and abilities
2. Furnish a valid record of all previous work experience and training
3. Arrange for a personal interview with the superintendent and/or prospective supervisor at a mutually satisfactory time
Qualifications
Aides should be at least eighteen years of age, exhibit good moral character and possess a high school diploma or the equivalent. They should be neat, well-groomed, and in good health. Prior training or some experience in working with children is desirable.
Job Description
Aides are under the supervision of the classroom teacher and/or the principal. Aides may perform such duties as record keeping, taking attendance duplicating materials, collecting money, ordering supplies, checking objective test results, filing and cataloging materials, monitoring lunch periods, assisting in housekeeping chores, preparing audio-visual materials, assisting in classroom activities, out-of-doors activities and play periods and performing other such duties as may be assigned by the principal. Aides should not assume the role of substitute nor be placed in temporary charge of a classroom while the teacher is out of the room except in an emergency situation. Aides receive instructions from and are responsible to their immediate supervisor.
Aides shall follow the requirements of the Family Education and Privacy Act as related to student confidentiality
Appointment
Full-time aides are appointed by the school board on the recommendation of the superintendent in cooperation with the principal or supervisor. Part-time aides are appointed by the superintendent in cooperation with the principal or supervisor. Part-time aides are ineligible for benefits unless required by federal or state regulations.
Re-appointment
Recommendations for re-appointments should be made by the principals and superintendent before the March school board meeting. All aides should be informed of their employment status as soon as feasible after the budget is approved.
Hours of Employment
All aides shall arrange their working hours with their principal as approved by the superintendent. The normal hours for aides are the same as for teachers.
Working hours for part-time aides shall be determined by the principals and approved the superintendent.
Adopted: 8/25/2003
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