1450 Discipline and Termination, and Non-renewal of Contract

Performance Management Washington County School District-Revised 9-12-00; Revised 8-9-11.


Table of Contents

1. Purpose
2. Policy
3. Procedure
3.1. Bases for Disciplinary Action
3.2. Bases for Immediate Suspension
3.3. Persons Authorized to Initiate and Carry Out Disciplinary Actions
3.4. Communication of Rules
3.5. Forms of Discipline
3.6. Processes for Administering Discpline Policy
3.7. Documentation of Employee Performance
3.8. Nonrenewal of Contract.
3.9. Probationary Educators
3.10. Files and Records

WCSD Home | Policy Index | Schools Page

1. Purpose:

The purpose and intent of the policies stated herein are to:

1.1. Promote and maintain a high level of acceptable behavior on the part of all employees, with the ultimate goal of creating the most productive working climate for employees and the best possible learning environment for students.

1.2. Correct remediable or substandard performance on the part of employees and, in those instances where such conduct is irremediable, pursue steps required for the orderly dismissal of such employee.

1.3. Provide a meaningful level of communication with employees by which employees will know what is expected of them, to provide remediation where possible in those cases where it is needed, and to provide a process for discipline and discharge where that becomes necessary. 

1.4. Assure consistent application of rules, notifications of substandard work and ways it can be corrected, careful investigation of facts, open dialogue to give both sides an opportunity to state respective positions, and provide a level of discipline that is consistent with the level of the alleged infraction.

2. Policy:

The Board of Education retains its right to discipline or terminate the employment of any employee at any time for any of the causes set forth below.  With the exception of substitute, at-will, and temporary employees, these policies apply to all employees of the District, including certified, classified, and administrative personnel, and apply to all job-related activities of such employees.  When hand delivered, employees must acknowledge receipt of any disciplinary action.  An acknowledgement of receipt signature is not an admission of wrongdoing or guilt or a waiver of any applicable due process entitlement.  Administrators issuing a disciplinary action will inform the employee that failure or refusal to acknowledge receipt of a disciplinary action will be regarded as insubordination and may result in termination of employment.


3. Procedure:

3.1. Bases for Disciplinary Action. The following acts or omissions by an employee in the scope of employment shall constitute grounds for disciplinary action:
3.1.1. Insubordination, including the refusal of an employee to perform an assignment or to comply with a directive given by the employee's supervisor. 

3.1.2. Unprofessional job-related conduct. 

3.1.3. Incompetence or inefficiency in the performance of duties.

3.1.4. Corporal punishment of students. 

3.1.5. Improper conduct toward students and other employees. 

3.1.6. Conduct in violation of any District policy or established expectation of performance. 

3.1.7. Reason to believe an employee has committed a misdemeanor or felony violation of the law related to the employee's employment, or which impairs the employee's ability to perform his or her assigned duties. 

3.1.8. Misconduct related to the employee's job. 

3.1.9. Abuse of the District's sick leave policy.

3.1.10. Excessive tardiness.

3.1.11. Excessive absenteeism.

3.1.12. Unexcused absences from work.

3.1.13. Negligence or carelessness in the performance of duties.

3.1.14. Use of District property for personal gain. 

3.1.15. Failure to comply with any specific practice or procedure or disregard for any prohibited practice as set forth in District Policy, such as District Policy for Employee Reporting of Arrests, Pay Policy, Employee Leave, Drug Free Workplace, Sexual Harassment, Workplace Violence, Safety Compliance, Accident Reporting, Non-discrimination, Technology Acceptable Use Policy, Bullying and Hazing, etc.

3.1.16. Disregard, damage or destruction of District property, supplies or equipment. 

3.1.17. Dishonesty or falsification of any information involving the District, including grades, credits, data on forms, employee records, or any other information involving the District. 

3.1.18. Possession of alcohol or other intoxicants or illegal narcotics, or other controlled substances without prescription on school property or at any school function. 

3.1.19. The use of or being under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants or illegal narcotics, or other controlled substances without prescription on school property or at any school function. 

3.1.20. Deliberate conduct which has the apparent purpose of exposing the District to censure, ridicule, or reproach. 

3.1.21. Verbal and/or physical fighting on school premises or at any school-related activities. 

3.1.22. Falsification of records or data with intent to defraud. 

3.1.23. Sexual misconduct which deviates from the ordinary standards of morality prevalent in the area served by the District.

3.1.24.  Violation of any other generally accepted standard of conduct applicable to District employment.

3.2. Investigations and Paid Administrative Leave:  A principal, administrator, or supervisor may place a District employee on paid administrative leave if s/he, after consulting with the Director of Human Resources, has reason to believe it would be in the best interest of the District for the employee to be absent from his or her employment for the time needed to conduct a timely investigation of alleged misconduct.  Written notice placing an employee on paid administrative leave shall outline the terms and conditions of such leave and shall be served by personal delivery or by certified mail addressed to the individuals last-known address as shown on the records of the District.  If the investigation reveals no wrong doing on the part of the employee, no record of such paid administrative leave will be placed in the employee's file.  

3.3. Persons Authorized to Initiate and Carry Out Disciplinary Actions.

3.3.1. Verbal and written warnings may be issued by the Board of Education, the Superintendent, or any principal, supervisor, administrator, or other supervisory personnel relative to employees under their jurisdiction. 

3.3.2. Suspensions with and without pay, final warnings, probation, and dismissal may be administered only by the Superintendent and the Board of Education.

3.4. Communication of Rules.

3.4.1. Each employee at the time of employment will receive notice directing them to the location of the then current District policies and procedures. 

3.4.2. When new or revised rules, regulations, or policies are adopted the new or revised policy will be disseminated through the District "All" email list service.  Unless an employee has notified their direct administrator or supervisor in advance that s/he is unable to obtain an email account or receive email communications AND obtained the administrator's or supervisor's written approval for an exception to this requirement, all employees must establish, identify, and utilize an email account to receive and review administrative and policy notifications.  Employees are required to monitor their established email inbox and update their email address as necessary for receipt of this information.  Supervisors or administrators who approve exceptions to the establishment of an email account are required to maintain a list of approved exceptions and disseminate communications to those individuals using an alternative method.

3.5. Forms of Discipline.

3.5.1. Verbal warnings.

3.5.2. Written warnings.

3.5.3. Probation and final warning.

3.5.4. Suspension without pay.

3.5.5. Dismissal.

3.6. Processes for Administering Discipline Policies. The forms of discipline enumerated above shall be administered in accordance with the following procedures and in accordance with the provisions of applicable laws.  Release of disciplinary actions to any party other than the subject of the record is subject to the limitations, conditions, and requirements of the Utah Governmental Records Access and Management Act, UCA § 63G-2-202.

3.6.1. Verbal Warning. A verbal warning should be stated clearly and should tell the employee that the specific conduct in question is unacceptable. Corrective action shall be specified. The person giving the verbal warning shall, immediately after it is given, document it in writing and state that it is a verbal warning. The writing shall be forwarded to the Superintendent to be placed in the employee's personnel file and a copy will be given to the employee. The writing so placed in the employee's file may be used, if necessary, in subsequent disciplinary proceeding. 

3.6.2. Written Warning.

3.6.2.1. A written warning shall be given:
3.6.2.1.1. Where the misconduct is sufficiently serious, as determined by the supervisor, to warrant the initiation of disciplinary action at this level.

3.6.2.1.2. Where previous warnings were ineffective to cause the correction of the offensive conduct.

3.6.2.2. The written warning shall:

3.6.2.2.1. Be forwarded to the Superintendent to be placed in the employee's personnel file. 

3.6.2.2.2. Be personally delivered to the employee.

3.6.2.2.3. Be signed by the employee for the sole purpose of showing that he or she received and reviewed it.

3.6.2.2.4. Give the employee the right to an informal meeting with the Superintendent, and to be represented there by counsel or other person desired by the employee. The purpose of the meeting shall be to:

3.6.2.2.4.1. Give the employee the specifics of the charges against the employee. 

3.6.2.2.4.2. Review with the employee the evidence on which the charges and the proposed discipline are based.

3.6.2.2.4.3. Give the employee an opportunity to state his or her own explanation of what happened. 

3.6.2.2.4.4. Give the employee an opportunity to defend his or her conduct.

3.6.2.2.4.5. Seek agreement on as many facts as possible in the case.

3.6.2.2.4.6. Give the Superintendent a chance to hear both sides and gather additional relevant information before finalizing any disciplinary action. 

3.6.3.  RESERVED

3.6.4. Probation and Final Warning.

3.6.4.1. The employee may receive a final warning and/or be placed on probation only by the Superintendent or the Board of Education and may occur in those instances in which: 
3.6.4.1.1. The matter is sufficiently serious to warrant the initiation of disciplinary action at this level.

3.6.4.1.2. Previous disciplinary action did not result in correction of the offensive conduct.

3.6.4.1.3. Discharge, or the possibility of it, appears necessary, and it is determined to be in the best interests of the District and the employee that the employee be given one last chance to remedy the existing problem under specific terms of probation. 

3.6.4.2. The final warning and order of probation shall be given:

3.6.4.2.1. Where the misconduct is sufficiently serious, as determined by the supervisor, to warrant the initiation of disciplinary action at this level. 

3.6.4.2.2. Where previous warnings were ineffective to cause correction of the offensive conduct. 

3.6.5. Suspension Without Pay and Notice of Intent to Dismiss.

3.6.5.1. Suspension with or without pay and notice of intent to dismiss may be administered only by the Superintendent and may occur in those instances in which:
  • The misconduct is sufficiently serious as determined by the Superintendent to warrant the initiation of disciplinary action at this level, without prior disciplinary action.
  • In those cases where previous warnings were given and found to be ineffective to cause correction of the offensive conduct.
  • Remediation efforts have failed in those cases where such efforts were attempted.  
  • The nature of the offensive conduct is such that dismissal appears to be the only solution to the problem. 
3.6.5.2. A copy of the notice of intent to dismiss shall:
3.6.5.2.1. Be placed in the employee's personnel file.

3.6.5.2.2. Be personally delivered to the employee and, if the employee is a member of a qualified employee association of the District, a copy shall also be delivered to the president of said association.

3.6.5.2.3. Be signed by the employee for the sole purpose of showing that he or she received and reviewed it. 

3.6.5.2.4. State the reason or reasons for the proposed dismissal. 

3.6.5.2.5. State the date of the proposed dismissal, which shall be not less than thirty days after the notice is delivered. 

3.6.5.2.6. Give the employee the right to a hearing before a panel of hearing examiners to be appointed by the Board of Education. Said panel shall consist of not fewer than three persons, one of whom must be a member of the Board of Education and one of whom the employee must approve.

3.6.5.3. State the date (not less than 15 days after notice) by which the employee must request the hearing in writing to the Superintendent. If the hearing is not timely requested, the employee shall be deemed to have waived it, and the Superintendent shall proceed with the proposed action.

3.6.5.4. State that the employee is entitled at the hearing to:

3.6.5.4.1. Be represented by counsel and/or by any other person or persons selected by the employee.

3.6.5.4.2. Hear the testimony and evidence against him or her.

3.6.5.4.3. Present witnesses in his or her behalf.

3.6.5.4.4. Cross-examine witnesses.

3.6.5.4.5. Examine documentary evidence. Final Action. The decision of the hearing panel, or the Superintendent if a hearing is not requested, shall be in writing and shall state the specific findings and conclusions of the hearing panel or the Superintendent. A copy of the written decision shall be delivered to the employee and a copy shall be placed in the employee's personnel file.

Reference: Utah Administrrative Code R277-514
                 Utah Code 53A-8

3.7. Documentation of Employee Performance.

3.7.1. Purpose. Documentation of an employee's job performance is helpful in maintaining satisfactory levels of work and achievement, and in providing opportunities for planning and communication between the employee and the immediate supervisor. The material stated in this subheading is intended to apply to noncertified employees. Evaluation of certified personnel is covered elsewhere in the District's book of policies. 

3.7.2. Documentation. Written documentation regarding unsatisfactory job performance may be submitted by an employee's immediate supervisor whenever the supervisor feels it is necessary. 

3.7.3. Commendations. Letters of commendation and other written reports to document outstanding job performance are also encouraged. 

3.7.4. Submission. All performance documentation letters or reports should be submitted to the personnel office for placement in the employee's personnel file. 

3.7.5. Employee Signature. Before submission of any performance documentation letters or reports, each employee shall have an opportunity to review them, sign them, and keep a copy. Such signatures indicate only that the employee has read the material and is aware of the contents. 

3.7.6. Employee Rebuttal. If the employee feels that any performance documentation submitted by the immediate supervisor is incomplete, inaccurate, or unfair, the employee shall have the right to submit to the personnel office within ten days the employee's own written statement, which shall also be placed in the file. The employee shall give a copy of such statement to the immediate supervisor.

3.8. Nonrenewal of Contract.

3.8.1. Career Employees. (Refer to Policy page 4-1 for definition.) Career employees are those with at least three years of employment with the District and are deemed to have a reasonable expectation of continued employment with the District in successive years. The following provisions apply with respect to nonrenewal of contracts of such employees:
3.8.1.1. When continued employment is in question. The District shall inform the employee, at least 30 days prior to issuing a nonrenewal notice, that the continued employment of that employee is in question and the reasons for anticipated nonrenewal. The District shall give the employee an opportunity to correct the problem. The District may grant the employee assistance to correct the deficiencies, including informal conferences and the service of school personnel within the District.

3.8.1.2. Intent not to renew. If the District intends not to renew the contract of employment of an individual entitled to employment in succeeding years, it shall give notice of that intention to the individual. The District shall issue the notice at least 30 days before the end of the contract term of the individual. The written notice shall be served by personal delivery or by certified mail addressed to the individual's last known address. The notice must show a date and contain a clear and concise statement that the individual's contract will not be renewed for the next term and the reasons for the termination. If the employee disagrees with the action so proposed in the notice, said employee may request an informal conference before the Board of Education or such personnel as the Board may designate. 

3.8.2. Provisional Employees: Provisional employees are those who have not completed three years of employment with the District. (Neg. 4-20-99) The following provisions apply with respect to nonrenewal of contracts of such employees: 

3.8.2.1. Intent not to renew: If the District intends not to renew the contract of employment of a provisional employee, the District shall: 
3.8.2.1.1. Notify the provisional employee at least 60 days before the end of the provisional employee's contract if the employee will not be offered a contract for a subsequent term of employment.

3.8.2.1.2. Advise the employee that he or she may request an informal conference before the Board of Education or such other personnel as the Board may designate. 

3.9.Reserved. (2-5-05)

3.10. Files and Records.

3.10.1. Personnel File. The District personnel office maintains an official permanent record file for each employee.

3.10.2. Contents. This file should contain the following items and other employment documents and records: application for employment, employees required to have such records, employee's status form, pre-employment recommendations and records, and documentation of job performance. (2-8-05)

3.10.3. Employee Inspection Rights. Upon request, the employee will be allowed to inspect his or her own file. Under state law employee has the right to copy his/her file, except for pre-employment recommendations and records and such other information as may be privileged under law and not subject to employee inspection.


WCSD Home | Policy Index | Schools Page

Distribution: Board Members, Superintendent, Associations, Assistant Superintendents, Administrators and Principals.