3120.04 - EMPLOYMENT OF SUBSTITUTE, LIMITED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, AND PART-TIME INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF

The School Board of Polk County

Bylaws & Policies

Unless a specific policy has been amended and the date the policy was revised is noted at the bottom of that policy, the bylaws and policies of The School Board of Polk County were adopted on November 12, 2013 and were in effect beginning November 12, 2013.

3120.04 - EMPLOYMENT OF SUBSTITUTE, LIMITED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, AND PART-TIME INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF

When it becomes necessary to employ instructional personnel on a temporary basis, such employment is on a limited-time basis for the purpose of filling a vacancy for which a regular employee cannot be found, or to perform some task of a temporary nature. This employment shall end at the close of the school term, at the end of the fiscal year, or at the time when the temporary task is completed.

	A.	Substitute Teachers
		The employment of substitute teachers shall be in accordance with a planned program developed by the District.
		Each school Principal is authorized to employ a substitute teacher when an instructional staff member is absent and/or unavailable to perform assigned duties. The principal shall obtain substitute teachers from the District approved list published by the Human Resource Services Division.
		In the absence of a regular teacher, a substitute teacher shall be employed under the following conditions:

		1.	Absences of regular teachers shall be filled by highly qualified substitute teachers whenever possible.
		2.	All substitute teachers shall perform similar duties as regular teachers as assigned by the Principal. Substitutes may be excused by the principal from instructional meetings.
		3.	Each substitute teacher shall conduct classes according to lesson plans and schedules prepared by the teacher who is absent.
		4.	Each substitute shall leave for the returning teacher a summary of the work covered and work assigned to students.
		5.	Compensation of substitute teachers shall be established by the School Board.
		6.	The Board authorizes the employment of State and District-certificated substitute teachers pursuant to the Florida statutes.

	B.	Short-Term or Limited Employment Agreement (LEA) Teachers
		In the event of a vacancy of a regular teacher's position, a Limited Employment Agreement teacher shall be employed when it is known or determined that the regular teacher will be absent for more than thirty (30) consecutive days or for the remainder of the school year. A Limited Employment Agreement teacher is assigned for a specified period of time, not to exceed the full teacher contract year. A Limited Employment Agreement teacher may be assigned for reasons including providing coverage for a teacher on a leave of absence or to fill an unexpected vacancy. Limited Employment Agreement teachers are eligible to be reappointed following the assignment if they worked one (1) day more than half of the school year. Limited Employment Agreement teachers who work less than one-half (1/2) of the school year are eligible to apply for positions for which they are qualified.
		A highly qualified teacher shall be appointed as a replacement as soon as possible so that there is continuity in the instructional program. To be eligible to be recommended for a contract for the period to be served, the individual selected as the replacement shall have a valid Florida certificate and meet the criteria established by the FLDOE to be considered highly qualified for the assignment.
		A Limited Employment Agreement teacher shall be paid on the teacher salary schedule, once they have met all conditions to be employed as a replacement, and shall assume the full duties of a regular teacher.
	C.	Part-Time Instructional Staff
		The Superintendent is authorized to employ temporary or part-time personnel as needed.
		Part-time positions for summer programs are handled according to summer program procedures. Other District programs such as after school and migrant tutoring may employ part-time instructors providing they hold appropriate certification.
		Employees in bargaining units should refer to the current collective bargaining agreement for additional provisions regarding part-time positions for summer programs.

F.S. 1012.35, 1012.36