Summary of changes to TASB model contracts
By TASB HR Services staff
Revised model employment contracts and addenda, developed by TASB Legal Services, were updated January 2, 2007. Revisions were made to include a new provision authorizing incentive pay programs and to simplify language and formatting. Changes to the contracts and addenda include the following: 

• Credentials. Credentials clause addressing requirement to maintain certification and highly qualified status was edited to reflect statutory language of Texas Education Code §21.0031.
• Compensation. Provision added to authorize incentive payments. The clause authorizing deduction of salary overpayments previously addressed under equipment and reports was moved to this section and reference to salary payments according to the district payroll schedule was deleted. 
• Other provisions. The provision under equipment and reports permitting the district to deduct the value of lost items from the final paycheck was deleted. A recent Department of Labor ruling advises against this practice for exempt employees. A new sample form,  Receipt for Equipment, was added to the Member Library to document equipment issued to an employee. 
• Termination and Nonrenewal of Contract. Definitions of financial exigency and program change were eliminated since these issues are addressed in policy.
• Expiration of offer. The expiration of offer that followed the signature lines was moved and becomes item 11.
• Certification addendum. Provisions were added to address employees whose certification is about to expire and require them to provide the district with documentation of certification renewal.
• Retire/rehire addendum. A provision permitting salary reduction for expenses associated with hiring a retiree was added.

Other additions and changes

• Letter of Intent. This is a new addition for use by district representatives when making offers to candidates at job fairs. This document is intended to represent no more than a commitment to recommend the person to the board, if all paperwork is received and background checks are accepted.
• Notice of Assignment to Supplemental Duties. This notice was expanded to address multiple assignments to one employee and simplify the explanation of stipend payments.
• Level Three Appeal Notice. This notice was revised to clarify the circumstances that prevent a hearing in open session.
• Annual activities. This sample list of monthly responsibilities, activities, and deadlines for the HR office was expanded and updated to include No Child Left Behind (NCLB) requirements.
• Work-site postings. A new notice was added to the list of required postings. District must post notice of the Ombudsman program for injured workers to meet a new requirement from Texas Office of Injured Employee Counsel, effective December 20, 2007.
• Employment applications, vacancy notices, and recruiting activities. These models were revised to include contact information for the district’s Title IX contact. These forms are now available in Word so districts can customize them.
• Applicant notification letters. The sample letters were simplified and are now available in Word.
Orientation checklists. The checklists were consolidated into one checklist that can be used at the district or campus/department level.

Of the ISDs that have TASPA members, only three do not currently belong to TASB HR Services.  Please visit http://www.tasb.org/services/hr_services/join.aspx for more information on member services, access to online resources and more. To contact us about secured access, call 800-580-7782 or e-mail HRServices@tasb.org.