APS Syphax Staff Work From Home

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Alexandria admins get the breaks off also. We are competing with the for administrators. I think this is one of the reasons why we are moving in that direction. I don't care about Syphax, but good school administrators are becoming more scarce.

School-based administrators should be a different category. Does anyone know if they are the same pay scale category as Syphax people?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So we’re competing with Alexandria who pays all those holidays? What about fairfax and falls church? Any of other districts in NOVA? Nope. Not compelling if Alexandria is making the same bad management decision.

I am generally in favor of providing better benefits to public servants, but I don't know anyone who's had a good interaction with Syphax staff (and lord knows there are enough of them and their numbers seem to be swelling), so rewarding them rather than meeting the needs of students and teachers? NO.

+1,000

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:I don’t understand why this costs APS money? I understand if a teacher has to be replaced by a sub but these aren’t teachers. And why can’t APS just pay teachers for these days? Shouldn’t we want teachers to be paid more?

Some people just like to complain. I really don't care if Syphax staff work from home either.

Well, just remember that you’re paying their salary, and many of them are hardly working.

The way of the world is going more remote. That's not just Syphax, that is workplaces across the board after Covid. It doesn't mean people are working less, some are more productive at home. Maybe learn to deal with it?

Sound like APS doesn’t allow telework. Except for when they do. But if staff have the days off then they are definitely not teleworking. Maybe the answer os for APS to allow more teleworking for those who can (especially during school breaks) rather than the extra paid days off that teachers aren’t paid for?

I'm an APS teacher working from home today. I don't have a problem if Syphax staff work from home either. I am not sure who does? Probably the same group of loud and entitled parents who accused us of not working during the pandemic.

Dp. But syphax staff are not working from home today. They are paid for being off. The majority of APS employees are not paid for this week off. And it sounds like you’re working too. I don’t get any email returned from syphax during these breaks.

No, you are wrong. Syphax staff worked today as did teachers. This week is not a break. Last week was a break.

It doesn't sound like you have much of a clue.

So they were paid to have all of last week off then. Got it. What do fairfax or our neighbors do? Are 12 month employees paid for breaks? I’m a fed and I have to take my annual leave. Which is fine because it’s fairly generous.

Of course they were off, the school system was closed. You don’t work for a school system, Duh!

I’ve worked as a 12-month employee for FCPS and ACPS; in neither case did 12-month folks get these breaks off. We could use leave (and we’re encouraged to) but if you did not take leave you were expected to be at work on those days. It’s VERY unusual for 12 month staff to get those breaks off automatically.

Duran just changed it in November 2021. These weren't technically holidays for 12 month staff before 2021. Now they are. He sent an all-staff email announcing the change. While they are "holidays" for all staff, only 12 month are paid because 10 month staff have 200 day contracts that don't include these days:

"APS Will Fully Close for Winter Break and Spring Break 2021-22 – I am adjusting the current school year calendar to make Winter Break (Dec. 20-31, 2021) and Spring Break (Apr. 11-15, 2022) holidays for all staff—12-month employees in addition to our 10-month employees. This action does not require School Board approval since they are non-student days. I have also proposed making this change for the 2022-23 calendar which is currently in development."

Wow. He just changed it via an email to all staff??? That’s a real kick in the pants. So if I’m
Following all this thread correctly some staff now get paid for winter and spring break but not teachers. And everyone found out via an email.
And syphax not technically allowed to telework except for when then they do. Oh and no one in APS has parental leave. Just wow.

You are too funny. I don't agree with all of these policies either but your complaint about email is just hilarious. How do you propose that the superintendent communicate with his staff if you are so against email?

Carrier pigeon of course. It just sounds like it came out of nowhere. Of all the things I heard people talk about in APS last year, more paid leave for syphax was nowhere on the list. Remember the bus drivers who showed up weekly about pay and bad treatment?

It feels like a slap in the face if it came out in November, just before a 2 week winter break to learn that a select few in APS would get paid but I wouldn’t. Especially last year. Throw in the no parental leave and it is salt in the wounds.

Yes I agree with all of this, just think you'll get further if you stop complaining about it coming out in an email.

DP. I assume the email is offensive because it seems so flippant. A major policy change like this should require a board vote given budget liability.

You think the board should vote on staff leave? I don't.

Looks like the board is going to be voting on it this summer. There is a new calendar policy out that does a few things, starting two
Weeks before Labor Day, 180 days, 2 weeks of winter break. Also seems to specify that these are holidays for staff. This will
Make both APS calendar policy permanent and seems to allow 12 month staff are paid for all these days going forward.

So let’s sum up: if the school board approves this policy change, teachers will now have a shorter summer break, syphax will never work on any of those holidays/breaks, they will get paid for them (but not 4,000 other staff members) and teachers still won’t have parental leave. Great job, duran!

This is unreal.

Meanwhile, Subs (including Long Term Subs) don't even get ONE single sick day from working with germy children all day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t understand why this costs APS money? I understand if a teacher has to be replaced by a sub but these aren’t teachers. And why can’t APS just pay teachers for these days? Shouldn’t we want teachers to be paid more?

Some people just like to complain. I really don't care if Syphax staff work from home either.

Well, just remember that you’re paying their salary, and many of them are hardly working.

The way of the world is going more remote. That's not just Syphax, that is workplaces across the board after Covid. It doesn't mean people are working less, some are more productive at home. Maybe learn to deal with it?

Sound like APS doesn’t allow telework. Except for when they do. But if staff have the days off then they are definitely not teleworking. Maybe the answer os for APS to allow more teleworking for those who can (especially during school breaks) rather than the extra paid days off that teachers aren’t paid for?

I'm an APS teacher working from home today. I don't have a problem if Syphax staff work from home either. I am not sure who does? Probably the same group of loud and entitled parents who accused us of not working during the pandemic.

Dp. But syphax staff are not working from home today. They are paid for being off. The majority of APS employees are not paid for this week off. And it sounds like you’re working too. I don’t get any email returned from syphax during these breaks.

No, you are wrong. Syphax staff worked today as did teachers. This week is not a break. Last week was a break.

It doesn't sound like you have much of a clue.

So they were paid to have all of last week off then. Got it. What do fairfax or our neighbors do? Are 12 month employees paid for breaks? I’m a fed and I have to take my annual leave. Which is fine because it’s fairly generous.

Of course they were off, the school system was closed. You don’t work for a school system, Duh!

I’ve worked as a 12-month employee for FCPS and ACPS; in neither case did 12-month folks get these breaks off. We could use leave (and we’re encouraged to) but if you did not take leave you were expected to be at work on those days. It’s VERY unusual for 12 month staff to get those breaks off automatically.

Duran just changed it in November 2021. These weren't technically holidays for 12 month staff before 2021. Now they are. He sent an all-staff email announcing the change. While they are "holidays" for all staff, only 12 month are paid because 10 month staff have 200 day contracts that don't include these days:

"APS Will Fully Close for Winter Break and Spring Break 2021-22 – I am adjusting the current school year calendar to make Winter Break (Dec. 20-31, 2021) and Spring Break (Apr. 11-15, 2022) holidays for all staff—12-month employees in addition to our 10-month employees. This action does not require School Board approval since they are non-student days. I have also proposed making this change for the 2022-23 calendar which is currently in development."

Wow. He just changed it via an email to all staff??? That’s a real kick in the pants. So if I’m
Following all this thread correctly some staff now get paid for winter and spring break but not teachers. And everyone found out via an email.
And syphax not technically allowed to telework except for when then they do. Oh and no one in APS has parental leave. Just wow.

You are too funny. I don't agree with all of these policies either but your complaint about email is just hilarious. How do you propose that the superintendent communicate with his staff if you are so against email?

Carrier pigeon of course. It just sounds like it came out of nowhere. Of all the things I heard people talk about in APS last year, more paid leave for syphax was nowhere on the list. Remember the bus drivers who showed up weekly about pay and bad treatment?

It feels like a slap in the face if it came out in November, just before a 2 week winter break to learn that a select few in APS would get paid but I wouldn’t. Especially last year. Throw in the no parental leave and it is salt in the wounds.

Yes I agree with all of this, just think you'll get further if you stop complaining about it coming out in an email.

DP. I assume the email is offensive because it seems so flippant. A major policy change like this should require a board vote given budget liability.

You think the board should vote on staff leave? I don't.

Looks like the board is going to be voting on it this summer. There is a new calendar policy out that does a few things, starting two
Weeks before Labor Day, 180 days, 2 weeks of winter break. Also seems to specify that these are holidays for staff. This will
Make both APS calendar policy permanent and seems to allow 12 month staff are paid for all these days going forward.

So let’s sum up: if the school board approves this policy change, teachers will now have a shorter summer break, syphax will never work on any of those holidays/breaks, they will get paid for them (but not 4,000 other staff members) and teachers still won’t have parental leave. Great job, duran!

This is unreal.

Meanwhile, Subs (including Long Term Subs) don't even get ONE single sick day from working with germy children all day.

Uh, I really don't see sick days for subs being either necessary or logical. MAYbe a long-term sub? But please define "long-term" for context. A few weeks, no; a month, no; a semester, perhaps. Still, subs are not full-time, or even regular employees. They get to pick and choose their jobs. If they're sick, they shouldn't be picking-up an assignment for that day. Yeah, I'm not really getting on board with paid sick leave for a long-term sub, either.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:


This is unreal.

Meanwhile, Subs (including Long Term Subs) don't even get ONE single sick day from working with germy children all day.




Uh, I really don't see sick days for subs being either necessary or logical. MAYbe a long-term sub? But please define "long-term" for context. A few weeks, no; a month, no; a semester, perhaps. Still, subs are not full-time, or even regular employees. They get to pick and choose their jobs. If they're sick, they shouldn't be picking-up an assignment for that day. Yeah, I'm not really getting on board with paid sick leave for a long-term sub, either.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So we’re competing with Alexandria who pays all those holidays? What about fairfax and falls church? Any of other districts in NOVA? Nope. Not compelling if Alexandria is making the same bad management decision.

Fairfax has allowed HR to WFH for the last 2 years so they won’t leave to go elsewhere. Every system is doing things like this to try to stop the exodus of personnel.

[Anonymous]

I’m fine with giving them the holidays and reducing the leave payout upon leaving. It’s a good way to stay competitive while also reducing financial liability. I have had good and bad interactions with syphax but giving fewer benefits isn’t goi g to retain the best people if they can get more vacation in ACPS or full time telework in FCPS

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m fine with giving them the holidays and reducing the leave payout upon leaving. It’s a good way to stay competitive while also reducing financial liability. I have had good and bad interactions with syphax but giving fewer benefits isn’t going to retain the best people if they can get more vacation in ACPS or full time telework in FCPS

In the title of the thread, the problem isn't that Syphax staff are at home, it's that they aren't working. Not at home, not anywhere.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t understand why this costs APS money? I understand if a teacher has to be replaced by a sub but these aren’t teachers. And why can’t APS just pay teachers for these days? Shouldn’t we want teachers to be paid more?

Some people just like to complain. I really don't care if Syphax staff work from home either.

Well, just remember that you’re paying their salary, and many of them are hardly working.

The way of the world is going more remote. That's not just Syphax, that is workplaces across the board after Covid. It doesn't mean people are working less, some are more productive at home. Maybe learn to deal with it?

Sound like APS doesn’t allow telework. Except for when they do. But if staff have the days off then they are definitely not teleworking. Maybe the answer os for APS to allow more teleworking for those who can (especially during school breaks) rather than the extra paid days off that teachers aren’t paid for?

I'm an APS teacher working from home today. I don't have a problem if Syphax staff work from home either. I am not sure who does? Probably the same group of loud and entitled parents who accused us of not working during the pandemic.

Dp. But syphax staff are not working from home today. They are paid for being off. The majority of APS employees are not paid for this week off. And it sounds like you’re working too. I don’t get any email returned from syphax during these breaks.

No, you are wrong. Syphax staff worked today as did teachers. This week is not a break. Last week was a break.

It doesn't sound like you have much of a clue.

So they were paid to have all of last week off then. Got it. What do fairfax or our neighbors do? Are 12 month employees paid for breaks? I’m a fed and I have to take my annual leave. Which is fine because it’s fairly generous.

Of course they were off, the school system was closed. You don’t work for a school system, Duh!

I’ve worked as a 12-month employee for FCPS and ACPS; in neither case did 12-month folks get these breaks off. We could use leave (and we’re encouraged to) but if you did not take leave you were expected to be at work on those days. It’s VERY unusual for 12 month staff to get those breaks off automatically.

Duran just changed it in November 2021. These weren't technically holidays for 12 month staff before 2021. Now they are. He sent an all-staff email announcing the change. While they are "holidays" for all staff, only 12 month are paid because 10 month staff have 200 day contracts that don't include these days:

"APS Will Fully Close for Winter Break and Spring Break 2021-22 – I am adjusting the current school year calendar to make Winter Break (Dec. 20-31, 2021) and Spring Break (Apr. 11-15, 2022) holidays for all staff—12-month employees in addition to our 10-month employees. This action does not require School Board approval since they are non-student days. I have also proposed making this change for the 2022-23 calendar which is currently in development."

Wow. He just changed it via an email to all staff??? That’s a real kick in the pants. So if I’m
Following all this thread correctly some staff now get paid for winter and spring break but not teachers. And everyone found out via an email.
And syphax not technically allowed to telework except for when then they do. Oh and no one in APS has parental leave. Just wow.

You are too funny. I don't agree with all of these policies either but your complaint about email is just hilarious. How do you propose that the superintendent communicate with his staff if you are so against email?

Carrier pigeon of course. It just sounds like it came out of nowhere. Of all the things I heard people talk about in APS last year, more paid leave for syphax was nowhere on the list. Remember the bus drivers who showed up weekly about pay and bad treatment?

It feels like a slap in the face if it came out in November, just before a 2 week winter break to learn that a select few in APS would get paid but I wouldn’t. Especially last year. Throw in the no parental leave and it is salt in the wounds.

Yes I agree with all of this, just think you'll get further if you stop complaining about it coming out in an email.

DP. I assume the email is offensive because it seems so flippant. A major policy change like this should require a board vote given budget liability.

You think the board should vote on staff leave? I don't.

Looks like the board is going to be voting on it this summer. There is a new calendar policy out that does a few things, starting two
Weeks before Labor Day, 180 days, 2 weeks of winter break. Also seems to specify that these are holidays for staff. This will
Make both APS calendar policy permanent and seems to allow 12 month staff are paid for all these days going forward.

So let’s sum up: if the school board approves this policy change, teachers will now have a shorter summer break, syphax will never work on any of those holidays/breaks, they will get paid for them (but not 4,000 other staff members) and teachers still won’t have parental leave. Great job, duran!

This is unreal.

Meanwhile, Subs (including Long Term Subs) don't even get ONE single sick day from working with germy children all day.

Uh, I really don't see sick days for subs being either necessary or logical. MAYbe a long-term sub? But please define "long-term" for context. A few weeks, no; a month, no; a semester, perhaps. Still, subs are not full-time, or even regular employees. They get to pick and choose their jobs. If they're sick, they shouldn't be picking-up an assignment for that day. Yeah, I'm not really getting on board with paid sick leave for a long-term sub, either.

Seriously, someone commits to subbing for a semester and you want them to decide between coming to work sick or not getting paid? TF?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So we’re competing with Alexandria who pays all those holidays? What about fairfax and falls church? Any of other districts in NOVA? Nope. Not compelling if Alexandria is making the same bad management decision.

Fairfax has allowed HR to WFH for the last 2 years so they won’t leave to go elsewhere. Every system is doing things like this to try to stop the exodus of personnel.

We need to stop the exodus of teachers and subs, not bureaucratic admin overhead who just make teachers lives more difficult with their constant need to show they’re needed. Sure give admin the winter and spring breaks but their PTO should be reduced proportionally. This is going to blow up in APS’s face in 10 years as the accrued PTO time (because why use PTO when you have so many holidays) because a massive budget liability.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Latest ape newsletter details what else APS could be paying for:

Why It Matters: As we have noted previously, choosing to prioritize additional holidays for 992 employees poses an opportunity cost on other priorities:

For example, an additional 1% COLA for all employees would cost $5.1 million, as discussed in budget work session #4;

reinstating parental leave would cost about $1.4 million for four weeks and $2 million for six weeks (budget question #24-72);

reducing elementary classes by a planning factor of two would cost about $2.2 million, per the 2023 budget.


https://mailchi.mp/6f8810abd23d/arlingtonparentsforeducation-15344566

Thanks for posting. This puts in context the missed opportunities of providing the bloated benefit. This is such a clear example of duran and the board’s malfeasance.

[Anonymous]

WOW
Unused leave will cost A LOT of money to the district. How this is allowed to become the standard is fiscally irresponsible to say the least.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t understand why this costs APS money? I understand if a teacher has to be replaced by a sub but these aren’t teachers. And why can’t APS just pay teachers for these days? Shouldn’t we want teachers to be paid more?

Some people just like to complain. I really don't care if Syphax staff work from home either.

Well, just remember that you’re paying their salary, and many of them are hardly working.

The way of the world is going more remote. That's not just Syphax, that is workplaces across the board after Covid. It doesn't mean people are working less, some are more productive at home. Maybe learn to deal with it?

Sound like APS doesn’t allow telework. Except for when they do. But if staff have the days off then they are definitely not teleworking. Maybe the answer os for APS to allow more teleworking for those who can (especially during school breaks) rather than the extra paid days off that teachers aren’t paid for?

I'm an APS teacher working from home today. I don't have a problem if Syphax staff work from home either. I am not sure who does? Probably the same group of loud and entitled parents who accused us of not working during the pandemic.

Dp. But syphax staff are not working from home today. They are paid for being off. The majority of APS employees are not paid for this week off. And it sounds like you’re working too. I don’t get any email returned from syphax during these breaks.

No, you are wrong. Syphax staff worked today as did teachers. This week is not a break. Last week was a break.

It doesn't sound like you have much of a clue.

So they were paid to have all of last week off then. Got it. What do fairfax or our neighbors do? Are 12 month employees paid for breaks? I’m a fed and I have to take my annual leave. Which is fine because it’s fairly generous.

Of course they were off, the school system was closed. You don’t work for a school system, Duh!

I’ve worked as a 12-month employee for FCPS and ACPS; in neither case did 12-month folks get these breaks off. We could use leave (and we’re encouraged to) but if you did not take leave you were expected to be at work on those days. It’s VERY unusual for 12 month staff to get those breaks off automatically.

Duran just changed it in November 2021. These weren't technically holidays for 12 month staff before 2021. Now they are. He sent an all-staff email announcing the change. While they are "holidays" for all staff, only 12 month are paid because 10 month staff have 200 day contracts that don't include these days:

"APS Will Fully Close for Winter Break and Spring Break 2021-22 – I am adjusting the current school year calendar to make Winter Break (Dec. 20-31, 2021) and Spring Break (Apr. 11-15, 2022) holidays for all staff—12-month employees in addition to our 10-month employees. This action does not require School Board approval since they are non-student days. I have also proposed making this change for the 2022-23 calendar which is currently in development."

Wow. He just changed it via an email to all staff??? That’s a real kick in the pants. So if I’m
Following all this thread correctly some staff now get paid for winter and spring break but not teachers. And everyone found out via an email.
And syphax not technically allowed to telework except for when then they do. Oh and no one in APS has parental leave. Just wow.

You are too funny. I don't agree with all of these policies either but your complaint about email is just hilarious. How do you propose that the superintendent communicate with his staff if you are so against email?

Carrier pigeon of course. It just sounds like it came out of nowhere. Of all the things I heard people talk about in APS last year, more paid leave for syphax was nowhere on the list. Remember the bus drivers who showed up weekly about pay and bad treatment?

It feels like a slap in the face if it came out in November, just before a 2 week winter break to learn that a select few in APS would get paid but I wouldn’t. Especially last year. Throw in the no parental leave and it is salt in the wounds.

Yes I agree with all of this, just think you'll get further if you stop complaining about it coming out in an email.

DP. I assume the email is offensive because it seems so flippant. A major policy change like this should require a board vote given budget liability.

You think the board should vote on staff leave? I don't.

Looks like the board is going to be voting on it this summer. There is a new calendar policy out that does a few things, starting two
Weeks before Labor Day, 180 days, 2 weeks of winter break. Also seems to specify that these are holidays for staff. This will
Make both APS calendar policy permanent and seems to allow 12 month staff are paid for all these days going forward.

So let’s sum up: if the school board approves this policy change, teachers will now have a shorter summer break, syphax will never work on any of those holidays/breaks, they will get paid for them (but not 4,000 other staff members) and teachers still won’t have parental leave. Great job, duran!

This is unreal.

Meanwhile, Subs (including Long Term Subs) don't even get ONE single sick day from working with germy children all day.

Uh, I really don't see sick days for subs being either necessary or logical. MAYbe a long-term sub? But please define "long-term" for context. A few weeks, no; a month, no; a semester, perhaps. Still, subs are not full-time, or even regular employees. They get to pick and choose their jobs. If they're sick, they shouldn't be picking-up an assignment for that day. Yeah, I'm not really getting on board with paid sick leave for a long-term sub, either.

Seriously, someone commits to subbing for a semester and you want them to decide between coming to work sick or not getting paid? TF?

Well, like I said: "MAYbe a long-term sub" and "a semester, perhaps."
Still, a long-term sub is the substitute. Does a sub get paid when they don't accept an opening and don't work? No. Teachers have contracts for certain # of working days and also certain days off with/without pay. Substitutes are - whether you like it or not - hired for working, not for being sick and not working.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t understand why this costs APS money? I understand if a teacher has to be replaced by a sub but these aren’t teachers. And why can’t APS just pay teachers for these days? Shouldn’t we want teachers to be paid more?

Some people just like to complain. I really don't care if Syphax staff work from home either.

Well, just remember that you’re paying their salary, and many of them are hardly working.

The way of the world is going more remote. That's not just Syphax, that is workplaces across the board after Covid. It doesn't mean people are working less, some are more productive at home. Maybe learn to deal with it?

Sound like APS doesn’t allow telework. Except for when they do. But if staff have the days off then they are definitely not teleworking. Maybe the answer os for APS to allow more teleworking for those who can (especially during school breaks) rather than the extra paid days off that teachers aren’t paid for?

I'm an APS teacher working from home today. I don't have a problem if Syphax staff work from home either. I am not sure who does? Probably the same group of loud and entitled parents who accused us of not working during the pandemic.

Dp. But syphax staff are not working from home today. They are paid for being off. The majority of APS employees are not paid for this week off. And it sounds like you’re working too. I don’t get any email returned from syphax during these breaks.

No, you are wrong. Syphax staff worked today as did teachers. This week is not a break. Last week was a break.

It doesn't sound like you have much of a clue.

So they were paid to have all of last week off then. Got it. What do fairfax or our neighbors do? Are 12 month employees paid for breaks? I’m a fed and I have to take my annual leave. Which is fine because it’s fairly generous.

Of course they were off, the school system was closed. You don’t work for a school system, Duh!

I’ve worked as a 12-month employee for FCPS and ACPS; in neither case did 12-month folks get these breaks off. We could use leave (and we’re encouraged to) but if you did not take leave you were expected to be at work on those days. It’s VERY unusual for 12 month staff to get those breaks off automatically.

Duran just changed it in November 2021. These weren't technically holidays for 12 month staff before 2021. Now they are. He sent an all-staff email announcing the change. While they are "holidays" for all staff, only 12 month are paid because 10 month staff have 200 day contracts that don't include these days:

"APS Will Fully Close for Winter Break and Spring Break 2021-22 – I am adjusting the current school year calendar to make Winter Break (Dec. 20-31, 2021) and Spring Break (Apr. 11-15, 2022) holidays for all staff—12-month employees in addition to our 10-month employees. This action does not require School Board approval since they are non-student days. I have also proposed making this change for the 2022-23 calendar which is currently in development."

Wow. He just changed it via an email to all staff??? That’s a real kick in the pants. So if I’m
Following all this thread correctly some staff now get paid for winter and spring break but not teachers. And everyone found out via an email.
And syphax not technically allowed to telework except for when then they do. Oh and no one in APS has parental leave. Just wow.

You are too funny. I don't agree with all of these policies either but your complaint about email is just hilarious. How do you propose that the superintendent communicate with his staff if you are so against email?

Carrier pigeon of course. It just sounds like it came out of nowhere. Of all the things I heard people talk about in APS last year, more paid leave for syphax was nowhere on the list. Remember the bus drivers who showed up weekly about pay and bad treatment?

It feels like a slap in the face if it came out in November, just before a 2 week winter break to learn that a select few in APS would get paid but I wouldn’t. Especially last year. Throw in the no parental leave and it is salt in the wounds.

Yes I agree with all of this, just think you'll get further if you stop complaining about it coming out in an email.

DP. I assume the email is offensive because it seems so flippant. A major policy change like this should require a board vote given budget liability.

You think the board should vote on staff leave? I don't.

Looks like the board is going to be voting on it this summer. There is a new calendar policy out that does a few things, starting two
Weeks before Labor Day, 180 days, 2 weeks of winter break. Also seems to specify that these are holidays for staff. This will
Make both APS calendar policy permanent and seems to allow 12 month staff are paid for all these days going forward.

So let’s sum up: if the school board approves this policy change, teachers will now have a shorter summer break, syphax will never work on any of those holidays/breaks, they will get paid for them (but not 4,000 other staff members) and teachers still won’t have parental leave. Great job, duran!

This is unreal.

Meanwhile, Subs (including Long Term Subs) don't even get ONE single sick day from working with germy children all day.

Uh, I really don't see sick days for subs being either necessary or logical. MAYbe a long-term sub? But please define "long-term" for context. A few weeks, no; a month, no; a semester, perhaps. Still, subs are not full-time, or even regular employees. They get to pick and choose their jobs. If they're sick, they shouldn't be picking-up an assignment for that day. Yeah, I'm not really getting on board with paid sick leave for a long-term sub, either.

Seriously, someone commits to subbing for a semester and you want them to decide between coming to work sick or not getting paid? TF?

Subs are hourly employees. Hourly employees are paid for each hour they work. They don't get health insurance benefits, and they don't get paid time off.
If they're sick, they should stay home, call in for another sub, and expect not to get any money for that day.

[Anonymous]

Seriously, someone commits to subbing for a semester and you want them to decide between coming to work sick or not getting paid? TF?



Subs are hourly employees. Hourly employees are paid for each hour they work. They don't get health insurance benefits, and they don't get paid time off.
If they're sick, they should stay home, call in for another sub, and expect not to get any money for that day.

Yes! Seriously!
Subs are valuable contributors, but they have never been hired by APS. They should not expect to earn benefits, which include leave.