Just think, when we were kids we looked forward to snow days with little or no regard to the effect on our school. Unfortunately as grown ups, it gets more complicated.
The Situation
Schools and AEAs across Iowa are struggling this year with the number of school days that have been canceled due to inclement weather and determining how to make them up. Many schools are exploring extended days and Saturday classes as solutions to prevent the school year from running deep into the summer, interfering with summer sessions, vacations, etc. These decisions are being made at the local district level; therefore, the impact on our staff members is complicated. Heartland staff members serving multiple districts may end up with one district adding days to the end of the year, one district extending days and one district implementing Saturday classes.
The Solution
This communication is intended to provide guidance in addressing Saturday School and extended day situations for both exempt staff (salaried) and non-exempt staff (those who complete time sheets).
Saturday School
Exempt staff (salaried)
A calendar exchange may be used to match the staff calendar to this plan. For exempt (salaried) staff, there are no time-and-a-half overtime implications.
Non-exempt staff (time sheets)
Non-exempt staff members working over 40 hours per week may have a time-and-a-half overtime implication. Supervisors will determine if the non-exempt staff member’s service is needed on Saturday and if the employee shall work.
Extended Day
Exempt staff (salaried)
Exempt staff members at Heartland are salaried. In general, salaried means accountability to the work for a position regardless of hours worked. Therefore, extension of the workday does not have additional pay, overtime or exchange day implications.
Non-exempt staff (time sheets)
When a district is using extended days to make up snow days, the staff member’s time sheets must reflect the actual time worked, which may have a time-and-a-half overtime implication. Not every situation will require that a non-exempt staff member stay to work for this extra time, and thus should be decided with the supervisor prior to following this schedule.
What about your unique situation?
Please work with your supervisor to determine the right solution for your unique circumstances. Your supervisor will work within the context of the inclement weather policy, this communication, your employment contract (if applicable) and the needs of the schools Heartland serves. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this complicated matter. What’s next this year, dismissals for heat? Sounds good doesn’t it?
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