APS Syphax Staff Work From Home

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Teachers are insanely jealous of central office staff’s ability to WFH, it’s not just in APS, I hear the same in ACPS, FCPS etc. Sorry, your job can’t be done remote, their job translates well to remote work. This is the career you chose, so stop complaining and live your life.

You want the same privileges? Go apply for jobs that have remote work option.

Telework is fine. Don't pay them for days off that teachers aren't paid for. Teachers aren't paid for winter break, spring break, federal holidays or the new religious holidays. Syphax now has ALL of those days paid off.

Technically Syphax isn't teleworking but plenty of staff are.

Teachers work according to the contracts they sign. They are not year-round full-time employees.
That said, Syphax staff are not teachers and should not be getting winter and spring breaks as paid leave in addition to their annual and sick leave.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The problem is not that they get to telework. The issue is that there are so many people at Syphax that no one in the schools can figure what they’re doing snd how their job helps the schools. This while schools are understaffed, no subs, and getting stupid demands.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Teachers are insanely jealous of central office staff’s ability to WFH, it’s not just in APS, I hear the same in ACPS, FCPS etc. Sorry, your job can’t be done remote, their job translates well to remote work. This is the career you chose, so stop complaining and live your life.

You want the same privileges? Go apply for jobs that have remote work option.

Telework is fine. Don't pay them for days off that teachers aren't paid for. Teachers aren't paid for winter break, spring break, federal holidays or the new religious holidays. Syphax now has ALL of those days paid off.

Technically Syphax isn't teleworking but plenty of staff are.

Teachers work according to the contracts they sign. They are not year-round full-time employees.
That said, Syphax staff are not teachers and should not be getting winter and spring breaks as paid leave in addition to their annual and sick leave.

Right. I agree that’s the problem. Syphax are paid year round but barely working more days than teacher contracts.

[Anonymous]

I left APS as a Syphax staffer (in IT/Network) after 5 years primarily because they ended the telework policy. I would have been fine going in 3 days a week, but they need to remain competitive with companies in some administrative roles. This is one of the areas where Syphax usually gets it wrong, because their “C-level” people have tunnel vision when it comes to working in any role that isn’t focused on academics, and simply treat any operational role the same way. That’s why you get stuff like “paid winter/spring break off.” It was nice to have that time off, but operationally it made no sense. Finance people need to close their books at the end of the year. IT people need to be deploying patches and upgrades. It felt super patronizing to me.

If they actually listened to what their people wanted and made a real common sense policy around telework for people whose jobs make sense being done remotely, or in cases where it’s competitive to offer that as a perk, this wouldn’t even be a discussion because the district would have the actual talent they need to complete their priorities. Nobody complains about telework when the work is actually getting done.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I left APS as a Syphax staffer (in IT/Network) after 5 years primarily because they ended the telework policy. I would have been fine going in 3 days a week, but they need to remain competitive with companies in some administrative roles. This is one of the areas where Syphax usually gets it wrong, because their “C-level” people have tunnel vision when it comes to working in any role that isn’t focused on academics, and simply treat any operational role the same way. That’s why you get stuff like “paid winter/spring break off.” It was nice to have that time off, but operationally it made no sense. Finance people need to close their books at the end of the year. IT people need to be deploying patches and upgrades. It felt super patronizing to me.

If they actually listened to what their people wanted and made a real common sense policy around telework for people whose jobs make sense being done remotely, or in cases where it’s competitive to offer that as a perk, this wouldn’t even be a discussion because the district would have the actual talent they need to complete their priorities. Nobody complains about telework when the work is actually getting done.

Yes. That's the point I was trying to make above earlier....that 100% teleworking isn't "working" for APS and it isn't working as well as at least some in-person work at some companies; and people are trying to be lured back, if not required back, into the office for good reasons.

Syphax departments are not working effectively - especially with each other - and individuals aren't available when other individuals need them. While you should still be as easily reached via phone or email regardless of where you are working from, that's not how it's playing out. Until Duran can get his people working well together, he needs to limit the WFH (AND all the extra paid time off).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Teachers are insanely jealous of central office staff’s ability to WFH, it’s not just in APS, I hear the same in ACPS, FCPS etc. Sorry, your job can’t be done remote, their job translates well to remote work. This is the career you chose, so stop complaining and live your life.

You want the same privileges? Go apply for jobs that have remote work option.

Telework is fine. Don't pay them for days off that teachers aren't paid for. Teachers aren't paid for winter break, spring break, federal holidays or the new religious holidays. Syphax now has ALL of those days paid off.

Technically Syphax isn't teleworking but plenty of staff are.

Teachers work according to the contracts they sign. They are not year-round full-time employees.
That said, Syphax staff are not teachers and should not be getting winter and spring breaks as paid leave in addition to their annual and sick leave.

Right. I agree that’s the problem. Syphax are paid year round but barely working more days than teacher contracts.

Syphax staff are being paid to work days that they now have off. Slap in the face to teachers and a gravy train to underperforming Syphax staff.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Teachers are insanely jealous of central office staff’s ability to WFH, it’s not just in APS, I hear the same in ACPS, FCPS etc. Sorry, your job can’t be done remote, their job translates well to remote work. This is the career you chose, so stop complaining and live your life.

You want the same privileges? Go apply for jobs that have remote work option.

Telework is fine. Don't pay them for days off that teachers aren't paid for. Teachers aren't paid for winter break, spring break, federal holidays or the new religious holidays. Syphax now has ALL of those days paid off.

Technically Syphax isn't teleworking but plenty of staff are.

Teachers work according to the contracts they sign. They are not year-round full-time employees.
That said, Syphax staff are not teachers and should not be getting winter and spring breaks as paid leave in addition to their annual and sick leave.

Right. I agree that’s the problem. Syphax are paid year round but barely working more days than teacher contracts.

Syphax staff are being paid to work days that they now have off. Slap in the face to teachers and a gravy train to underperforming Syphax staff.

I can't get over that the SB has zero interest in this problem. Kudos to the brave teacher who spoke out about it on AEM and at a SB meeting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I left APS as a Syphax staffer (in IT/Network) after 5 years primarily because they ended the telework policy. I would have been fine going in 3 days a week, but they need to remain competitive with companies in some administrative roles. This is one of the areas where Syphax usually gets it wrong, because their “C-level” people have tunnel vision when it comes to working in any role that isn’t focused on academics, and simply treat any operational role the same way. That’s why you get stuff like “paid winter/spring break off.” It was nice to have that time off, but operationally it made no sense. Finance people need to close their books at the end of the year. IT people need to be deploying patches and upgrades. It felt super patronizing to me.

If they actually listened to what their people wanted and made a real common sense policy around telework for people whose jobs make sense being done remotely, or in cases where it’s competitive to offer that as a perk, this wouldn’t even be a discussion because the district would have the actual talent they need to complete their priorities. Nobody complains about telework when the work is actually getting done.

Good point. As a school-based staff (9-4 school) it’s really difficult to get in touch with people at syphax sometimes and it would be nice to have them available on breaks, and I’m sure some of them would like a less hectic time to get projects done (like when 2847 tickets aren’t piling up) I actually don’t care about the extra days if things still get done. It’s probably good for retention but there’s probably a better middle ground.

[Anonymous]

Allegations on social media are not fact. For whoever needs to hear it. Syphax staff are not permitted to telework. That's a fact. Several admins posted that above but people keep repeating the allegation. It's just not true.

Of course, some do when sick or traveling or other extenuating circumstances.

Syphax work on 12 month contracts. Teachers work on 10 month contracts. All that changed was Syphax getting winter and spring break off. From what I've seen a lot of Syphax staff work some evenings and weekends, as well, for job fairs, SB meetings, and other things. Teachers have buffer days in their contracts to cover those events. So, there's a lot of apples and oranges going on in this thread.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Allegations on social media are not fact. For whoever needs to hear it. Syphax staff are not permitted to telework. That's a fact. Several admins posted that above but people keep repeating the allegation. It's just not true.

Of course, some do when sick or traveling or other extenuating circumstances.

Syphax work on 12 month contracts. Teachers work on 10 month contracts. All that changed was Syphax getting winter and spring break off. From what I've seen a lot of Syphax staff work some evenings and weekends, as well, for job fairs, SB meetings, and other things. Teachers have buffer days in their contracts to cover those events. So, there's a lot of apples and oranges going on in this thread.

That's the whole point, Sherlock!! They are getting 10-12 ADDED DAYS OF PAID LEAVE!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Allegations on social media are not fact. For whoever needs to hear it. Syphax staff are not permitted to telework. That's a fact. Several admins posted that above but people keep repeating the allegation. It's just not true.

Of course, some do when sick or traveling or other extenuating circumstances.

Syphax work on 12 month contracts. Teachers work on 10 month contracts. All that changed was Syphax getting winter and spring break off. From what I've seen a lot of Syphax staff work some evenings and weekends, as well, for job fairs, SB meetings, and other things. Teachers have buffer days in their contracts to cover those events. So, there's a lot of apples and oranges going on in this thread.

This person does not know what they are talking about. Teachers absolutely do not have "buffer" days in their contracts to cover their time at after school, evening or weekend events. Coaches and some activity sponsors may earn a stipend (separate contract) but those are limited compared to the actual number of teachers engaged in extracurricular work. Most teachers work after school, evenings, and weekends. Jeez!
signed, longtime APS teacher

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Allegations on social media are not fact. For whoever needs to hear it. Syphax staff are not permitted to telework. That's a fact. Several admins posted that above but people keep repeating the allegation. It's just not true.

Of course, some do when sick or traveling or other extenuating circumstances.

Syphax work on 12 month contracts. Teachers work on 10 month contracts. All that changed was Syphax getting winter and spring break off. From what I've seen a lot of Syphax staff work some evenings and weekends, as well, for job fairs, SB meetings, and other things. Teachers have buffer days in their contracts to cover those events. So, there's a lot of apples and oranges going on in this thread.

This person does not know what they are talking about. Teachers absolutely do not have "buffer" days in their contracts to cover their time at after school, evening or weekend events. Coaches and some activity sponsors may earn a stipend (separate contract) but those are limited compared to the actual number of teachers engaged in extracurricular work. Most teachers work after school, evenings, and weekends. Jeez!
signed, longtime APS teacher

Unless the PPP defines buffer days as the 2 months not covered by the 10-month contract, +1.
Regardless of any official policy of no telework, I am here to tell you that telework absolutely does happen by Syphax personnel.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Allegations on social media are not fact. For whoever needs to hear it. Syphax staff are not permitted to telework. That's a fact. Several admins posted that above but people keep repeating the allegation. It's just not true.

Of course, some do when sick or traveling or other extenuating circumstances.

Syphax work on 12 month contracts. Teachers work on 10 month contracts. All that changed was Syphax getting winter and spring break off. From what I've seen a lot of Syphax staff work some evenings and weekends, as well, for job fairs, SB meetings, and other things. Teachers have buffer days in their contracts to cover those events. So, there's a lot of apples and oranges going on in this thread.

True. It's the contrasts that are the point. 12-month Syphax employees are getting way more PAID TIME OFF than the 10-month teachers AND are not available when teachers or even coworkers need/are able to meet with them or get something taken care of.

Syphax is supposed to support the schools and staff. If they aren't doing that sufficiently because of their work perks and habits, then they should not be getting those perks and their habits need to change. I see absolutely no reason Syphax needs to shut down just because school is out. Is shutting down over the summer next?

[Anonymous]

Yep, teacher contracts are for 200 days. Teacher work days are 194. 6 days covers the extra stuff.

[Anonymous]

it seems like if you do the math, this problem doesn't get you very far compared to the overall budget.