Stafford Municipal School District
Substitute Handbook
2017/2018
The mission of SMSD is to ensure that 100% of our students will be college or career ready, without remediation.
Table of Contents
Foreword1
Substitute Handbook Receipt2
Description of the District3
District Map4
Campus Map……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………5
Stafford MSD Board Members and District Administration.6
Stafford MSD School Campus Administration………..7
Qualifications, Application Process and Employment, Equal Employment Opportunity andFingerprinting Requirements 8
Changes to Contact Information and AESOP Assignments, Cancellation of Assignments, Removal from Substitute List, Removal from Substitute List by Administrator 9
Duty Hours, Campus Schedules and Supervision Times for Each Campus10
Campus Schedules and Supervision Times…………………………………………………………………………………………… 11
Employee Dress and Grooming Standards 2017/2018 School Year11
Professional Ethics…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………16
Tobacco and Drugs, Responsibilities of the Substitute Teacher……………………………………………………………..16
Student Illness or Accident, Classroom Instruction………………………………………………………………………………..17
Student Discipline………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….18
College Tuition and Partial Fee Exemption for Aides and Substitute Teachers…………………………….…………19
Appendices……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………20
Appendix I-Payroll Schedule 2017/2018…………………….………………………………………………………………………….21
Appendix II-2017-2018 Substitute Pay Schedule…………………………….….………………………………………………….22
Appendix III- Stafford MSD School Calendar...….….………………………………………………………………………………23
WELCOME
The Stafford Municipal School District warmly welcomes all our substitutes as members of our extended family! At SMSD, we recognize the importance of your work as a substitute to the educational experience and vision in our schools; your role in working with the students attending our schools will be extremely important and appreciated. The administrative staff is willing and prepared to assist you in every way possible to make substituting a wonderful experience for both you and the students.
This handbook is to be used as a guideline. It is not intended to be all-inclusive. Policies and procedures are subject to change. Additional information will be disseminated as needed. It is your sole responsibility to read, understand, and implement the policies, ideas, and suggestions given in this handbook and other supplemental material provided to you.
Reference made to District policies in this substitute handbook consists of summaries or partial excerpts from the complete Board Policy Manual that are the authoritative reference. Any policy changes adopted during the life of this handbook will take precedence over any conflicting statement in this handbook. A complete copy of the Stafford MSD Board Policies can be found on the District web site at in this handbook are not intended to imply any contract or contractual rights. The Human Resources Department has sole authority to modify the contents of this handbook.
Your influence and expertise as a substitute is greatly appreciated and we trust that your role as a substitute teacher will be fulfilling to you and educationally profitable to our students. If at any time, you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the corresponding campus administration or your Human Resources team. Thank you!
Human Resources
Substitute Handbook Receipt
2017-2018 School Year
I hereby acknowledge receipt of my personal copy of the Stafford MSD Substitute Handbook. I agree to read the handbook and abide by the standards, policies, and procedures defined or referenced in this document.
I understand that failure to abide by the standards, policies, and procedures may result in my removal from the substitute list and that I will not be able to substitute in the district.
The information in this handbook is subject to change. I understand that changes in district policies may supersede, modify, or render obsolete the information summarized in this booklet. As the district provides updated policy information, I accept responsibility for reading and abiding by the changes.
I understand that I have an obligation to inform the District’s Department of Personnel Services in writing of any phone number and/or address changes, and if I would like to be removed from the substitute list.
I accept responsibility for contacting Human Resources if I have questions or concerns or need further explanation.
I also understand that if I do not return this signed receipt, my name will be removed from the substitute list and I will not be able to substitute.
I would like to:
□ be added as an active substitute.
□ remain on active status as a substitute.
□ have my name removed from the substitute list.
Print Name:______Date:______
Descriptionof the District
In 1977, following a disannexation election, Stafford Municipal School District (SMSD) was created out of the 181-square-mile Fort Bend ISD and Houston ISD. The disannexation was the result of a grass roots movement to return to a small, city-based school system.
After passage of the election creating the district, the City of Stafford spent five years in federal and state courts in the pursuit of creating the school district. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the City of Stafford and the district became a reality. Becoming a municipal school district instead of an independent school district, the school partnered with the city in ways that increased the efficiency of the tax dollar for Stafford residents and businesses.
In the fall of 1982, the elementary school opened to the district’s first 547 students in a leased warehouse. Grades 6-11 were added the following year, bringing the total student enrollment to 1,057. Seniors were added the next year. In 2000, the new Intermediate School was added to the district facilities on Staffordshire, joining Primary, Elementary, Middle and High Schools.
Enrollment at the district’s five campuses for the 2017/2018 school year is projected at 3,610 while the Average Daily Attendance (ADA) is estimated at 3,484.
There are more than 30 home languages spoken by our 3,412 students. Some of these include:
Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Cambodian, Cantonese, Ethiopic, Farsi, French, Fukien/Hokkien, Gujarati, Hausa, Hindi, Ibo/Igbo, Kannada, Kyrgyz, Malayalam, Mandarin, Marathi, Filipino (Tagalog), Portuguese, Serbian, Sindhi, Spanish, Tamil, Telugu, Thai, Tigrinya, Tiwa, Turkish, Urdu, Vietnamese, and Yoruba.
The district occupies seven square miles within Fort Bend and Harris Counties with diverse geographic areas that include the communities of Promenade, Kingsway, Dove Country, Stafford Run, Missouri City Estates, Vaccaro Manor, and other neighborhoods.
The Stafford Municipal School District is an independent public educational governmental unit operating under applicable laws, and regulations of the State of Texas. SMSD offers an educational opportunity to students in Early Childhood and grades Pre-K to 12.
A seven-member Board of Trustees, with staggered three-year terms, governs the school district.
Effective September 1, 2003 Texas Education Code 11.303 was put into law and it provided for the City Council to participate jointly with the Board of Trustees for the following actions:
- Hearings and work sessions on the budget and ad valorem tax rate
- Adopting of annual budget and ad valorem tax rates
District Map
Hidden between the metropolis of Houston and the growing East Fort Bend County, Stafford
Municipal School District maintains its small school environment while addressing
educational needs of the 21st century. What began as a grassroots mission with 547 students
has evolved into a mid-sized, 4A public school district fully accredited by the Texas Education
Agency with an enrollment just over 3,600.
STAFFORD MSD
2017-2018 BOARD MEMBERS
Auturo Jackson, President Christopher Caldwell, VP
Xavier Herrera, SecretaryManuel Hinojosa, Trustee
Greg Holsapple, Trustee Jacqueline Jean-Baptiste, Trustee
Alicia Lacy-Castillo, Trustee
All communication for board members may be sent to:
1625 Staffordshire Road
Stafford, Texas77477
281-261-9200
Stafford Municipal School District Administration
Administration:
Robert Bostic, Ed.D. Superintendent
Marva Rasberry Deputy Superintendent
Tammy Edwards Chief Academic Officer
George Flores Chief Financial Officer
Ronald Counter Director of Athletics
Maria Dudash Director of Multi-Lingual Programs
Charmaine Garcia Director of Federal and State Programs
Danny McDonald Director of Child Nutrition
Debbie Nordt Director of Career & Technical Education
Jaci Phenix Director of Maintenance and Operations
Jorge Rodriguez Interim Director of Technology
Teresa Sazedj, Ed.D. Director of Personnel Services
Leonila Zambrano PEIMS Coordinator
Steve Perez Coordinator for Library and Media Services
Cherise Roberts Coordinator of Grants and Partnerships
Michael Sudhalter Communications Coordinator
Kathryn Leeper Curriculum Coordinator, Elementary
Lakenya Perry-Wilson Curriculum Coordinator, Secondary
Stafford Municipal SchoolCampus Administration
Stafford Primary SchoolValarie Orum,Ed. D., Principal
Twyla Hynes,Associate Principal
Ileana Duran-Reyes, Assistant Principal
Grades EE-1
300 Stafford Pride
Stafford, TX 77477
281-261-9233 Fax: 281-261-9348 / Stafford Elementary School
Valarie Orum, Ed. D., Principal
Jeffery Williams, Associate Principal
Ileana Duran-Reyes, Assistant Principal
Grades 2-4
1250 Constitution
Stafford, TX 77477
281-261-9228 Fax: 281-261-9262
Stafford Intermediate School
Desiree James, Principal
Ianne Quila, Assistant Principal
Grades 5-6
1350 Constitution
Stafford, TX 77477
281-208-6102 Fax: 281-208-6111 / Stafford Middle School
Ginny Gayle, Principal
Michael Kearns, Assistant Principal
Grades 7-8
200 Stafford Pride
Stafford, TX 77477
281-261-9207 Fax: 281-261-9349
Stafford Alternative Education Center
Carlotta Allen, SAEC Administrator
Grades 6-12
200 Stafford Pride
Stafford, TX 77477
281-261-9270 Fax: 281-208-6118 / Stafford High School
Misti Morgan, Secondary Principal
Heather Perkins, Assistant Principal
Silas Garcia, Assistant Principal
Grades 9-12
100 Spartan Drive
Stafford, TX 77477
281-261-9278 Fax: 281-261-9347
Qualifications
It is the goal of the Stafford Municipal School District to employ substitute teachers who hold Texas Teaching certificates; however, non-certified substitute teachers may be utilized. Each substitute teacher must have completed a minimum of sixty (60) hours from an accredited college or university.
Application& Employment Process
Individuals desiring employment as a substitute in the Stafford Municipal School District are required to complete an application online with the Human Resources Department. The application may be found at by clicking the tab labeled “CAREERS”. Inside the “CAREERS” tab, you will then click on the link “SUBSTITUTES” to launch the WINOCULAR application. The application must include work experience and references. If new to substituting, an on-line substitute training provided by Region IV is required.
Documentation required in order for an applicant to be added to the substitute list includes a completed on-line application, transcript(s) for all college coursework, Texas Teacher’s Certificate (if applicable), high school diploma or GED, Social Security Card, identification card, W-4, Immigration Form I-9, 457 Annuity form, Criminal Record Release Authorization form and Employee Notice of Alliance Requirements, and direct deposit authorization form.Individuals will be placed on payroll after they have attended orientation and all the required documentation has been completed. For substitute pay rates see Appendix I on page 22.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Policies DAA, DIA
Stafford MSD does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, military status, genetic information,or on any other basis prohibited by law. Employment decisions will be made on the basis of each applicant’s job qualifications, experience, and abilities.
Employees with questions or concerns about discrimination based on sex, including sexual harassment should contactTammy Edwards, the District Title IX coordinator. Employees with questions or concerns about discrimination based on a disability should contact Charmaine Garcia, the district’s ADA/Section 504 coordinator. Questions or concerns relating to discrimination for any other reason should be directed to the Superintendent.
Fingerprinting Requirements
In 2007, the Texas Legislature passed a law requiring fingerprint-based criminal background reviews for school employees. This law requires that all substitute teachers be fingerprinted prior to employment. The cost for fingerprinting is $47.50, depending on the method required. The substitute is required to pay for the fingerprinting.
Changes to Contact Information
If a substitute has a change of address or telephone number, he/she should log into the TxEIS Employee access module to update this information. If assistance is needed, please contact Tera Bressler at .
AESOP (Please reference Using AESOP Successfully Handout)
Substitutes find and accept assignments by logging onto AESOP via the web at or by calling (1-800-942-3767). Once a substitute accepts an assignment, it is his/her responsibility to ensure he/she follows through on the commitment. Please keep your confirmation numbers for each assignment.
If a substitute fails to show up for an assignment, the campus administrator may request to have the substitute removed from his/her campus list.
A substitute will normally sub in the position he/she accepted through AESOP; however, there are occasions when an administrator may need the substitute in another classroom.
The campus administrator may change a substitute’s assignment.
A full-day for a substitute is 8 hours. Substitute teachers do not get a conference period. Administrators may assign a substitute to another duty during the conference period of the employee for whom they are substituting.
Cancellation of Assignments
If a substitute cannot report for an assignment, they must cancel as soon as possible, but no later than 6:00 a.m. of the day of the assignment. Cancellation can be done by way of the internet at or by calling 800-942-3767. In addition, you will need to call the office of that school to inform them that you cancelled that absence after the 6:00a.m. cutoff. If an absence is cancelled after the 6:00 a.m. deadline, the Campus Administrator and/or District Administrator have the right to remove the substitute from their campus list.
Removal from Substitute List
Any substitute wishing to be removed from the substitute list, either permanently or temporarily, should notify the Human Resources Department in writing.
Removal from Substitute List by Administrator
If a substitute fails to notify the Human Resources Department of his/her non-availability or repeatedly is unable to accept substitute positions, he/she could be removed from active status on the substitute list.
Administrators have the right to exclude a particular substitute from their campus. In the event an exclusion request is received, the substitute will be notified by mail or via telephone by the Department of Personnel Services. Depending on the nature of the complaint, the substitute may be allowed to substitute on other campuses. However, if the Human Resources Department receives a second exclusion request from another campus for the same substitute, the substitute may be removed from the substitute list and will not be allowed to substitute in the district.
In some cases, suspension from the substitute list may be necessary pending an investigation. If the investigation proves that actions taken by the substitute violated policies and procedures, the Department of Personnel Services has no other recourse than to remove the substitute from the substitute list.
Duty Hours
The substitute will follow the schedule of the teacher or paraprofessional he/she is replacing for the day. In most cases, the substitute will report to the principal’s office by 7:00a.m. for high school, 7:00 a.m. forthe middle school and 7:30 a.m. for intermediate, elementary and primary campuses. The substitute will work in the assignment for until officially released by the principal. Please note: the substitute is required to fulfill all duty requirements for the absent
Teacher/Paraprofessional.Beforeleaving the campus, the substitute should report to the principal’s office to check out and see if his/her services are needed the following day.
CampusBell Schedules
PrimaryPre-Kindergarten through First Grade
8:00 a.m. – 3:40 p.m.
Elementary
Grades 2-4
8:00 a.m. – 3:40 p.m.
Intermediate
Grades 5-6
8:00 a.m. – 3:40 p.m.
Middle School
Grades 7-8
7:30 a.m. – 3:10 p.m.
High School
Grades 9-12
7:30 a.m. – 3:10 p.m.
SAEC
Grades 6-12
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Supervision times for each campus:
Primary: 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Elementary: 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Intermediate: 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Middle: 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
High School: 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.SAEC8:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Employee Dress Code
Introduction
Stafford Municipal School District (SMSD) employees are expected to set a positive example for students and other employees in the area of personal appearance. In order to convey an atmosphere of respect and professionalism, personnel shall be well groomed and appropriately dressed. Attire should be chosen to reflect a professional workplace look as opposed to at-home casual.
It is important to communicate that some environments require a specific standard of dress and the positive acceptance of such a requisite is essential to obtain a student’s favorable acceptance with our expectations of them.
These standards apply to all school days including staff development days on, or off (i.e. ESC Region IV or HCDE), campus. Specific job assignments or campus activities may require deviations from these standards as approved by the appropriate supervisor.
The campus or department supervisor may approve variations to the dress standards for special situations such as field day, spirit day, work days, extracurricular activities, etc. However, spirit days that are not on Fridays must be approved in advance by the Superintendent (includes campus fundraisers that allow for employees to wear jeans during the week in addition to Fridays).
The campus or department supervisor should use good judgment when interpreting these standards. For example, terms such as “acceptable color”, “at-home casual”, and “quality appearance” lend to one’s professional opinion and SMSD administration is relying on supervisors to fairly implement a professional dress among their staff.
For those employees whose responsibilities may necessitate an alternate form of dress (such as automotive mechanics, agriculture, and life skills), employees may be allowed to wear jeans daily if permission is obtained in advance from the supervisor.
Employee identification badge must be worn while in main instructional buildings or around students (includes physical education, athletics, transportation, etc. as long as the badge does not create a safety issue).
The Superintendent reserves the right to provide notice to 11 and 12 month employees on alternate dress standards during the summer.
These standards will be communicated in the following manner:
- In the Employee Handbook
- During staff development at the beginning of the school year
- Via direct communication from the Superintendent
Final Authority
Campus and central administrators will have complete and final authority on all matters concerning interpretation of the employee dress and grooming standards. Matters concerning appearance and dress not specifically covered in this summary shall be within the discretion of administrators.