
Check out this fantastic foursome of Westfield HS football coaches. (Photo: Shaun Blair, Westfield HS)
As part of FCPS’ ongoing efforts to provide market competitive
employee compensation, the Department of Human Resources is redesigning pay
scales for the remaining unified scale employees. The primary goal of the
proposed changes is to move salaries for unified scale positions to within
95-105 percent of market average.
Remember,
redesigned pay scales were put in place for several employee groups at the
start of FY 2018. The teacher scale was enhanced and classroom instructional
support positions were moved from the unified scale to their own scale. In
addition, hourly contracted positions in Food Services and Transportation were
moved to the new Unified Scale - Schedule H. The remaining unified scale
changes are built into FCPS’ FY 2019 budget. They comprise three additional
salary schedules and provide for better market alignment. See what employee groups are
impacted and other important details.
Current
teachers, school counselors, school-based technology specialists (SBTS), and instructional assistants interested in
pursuing other professional opportunities for the 2018-19 school year may do so
during the Instructional Employees’ Transfer Window, which starts in April (exact day TBD) and ends June 29. Instructional
staff interested in transferring to another school or work location should
contact principals or program managers for details regarding instructional
vacancies for next year and to schedule interviews.
Instead
of our former Transfair events, current teachers, SBTS, and school counselors
may attend FCPS’ Instructional Job Fair on April 28. Principals
may schedule interviews with candidates prior to the event, or principals may
meet candidates during the job fair and schedule interviews for a later date. Additional information
will be forthcoming regarding recruitment events and opportunities for
instructional assistants to interview with schools for positions for the
2018-19 school year. Learn more.
Congratulations to the FCPS Cares of the Month winners for
February:
- Central Office: Rochelle Burks, Lorton Center
- Region 1: Roger Fernandez, Waples Mill ES
- Region 2: Rachel Olarinde, Falls Church HS
- Region 3: Lisa Demmel and Katie Pluntke, Belle View ES
- Region 4: Edith Giffear, White Oaks ES
- Region 5: Karen Bell, Woodson HS
See what makes
the winners special. Acknowledge the
great work of an FCPS employee.
Photo of the Week
Principal Joanne Jackson (left) and Teacher Matthew Beebe (right) let Lorton Station ES students tape them to a wall to help raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The school's Pennies for Patients drive raised $1,500, which is being guarded by Teacher Laurie Hartt (center). See, being stuck up isn't always a bad thing! (Photo: Lorton Station ES)
2018 Federal Income Tax Withholding Form W-4 Now Available
The IRS has released the 2018 withholding allowance certificate, form W-4. The 2018 worksheet was modified to reflect changes under the tax law that was signed December 22, 2017. The information widely available in the mainstream news media warns that this may or may not prepare you for the tax filing season in the spring of 2019 for the 2018 tax year. A new W-4 form is not required, however you may choose to update your withholding in response to the new law. If you would like to adjust your federal income tax withholdings, please continue to access UConnect, to make changes online.
The Office of Payroll Management is not permitted to provide tax advice. Please consult your tax professional regarding how this new law impacts you. Also, remember this change is to the federal income withholdings only.
 As the 10th largest school system in the country with a $2.8
billion budget, it is critical that FCPS use sound processes to manage its
fiscal and administrative operations. The Office of Auditor General (OAG),
which reports to the School Board and the School Board-appointed Audit
Committee, works independently to determine if these processes are effective,
transparent, and accountable to Fairfax County citizens. Watch this short video to learn more about OAG or visit OAG's webpage.
#OurFCPS Faces: Mercedes Squirewell
Mercedes Squirewell began working as a public health attendant at Kilmer Center
in September 2016. She works with students in the Autism program. As part of an FCPS Cares submission, her co-worker, Heather Frei, wrote, "Mercedes is such a calm, consistent, caring, and
trustworthy presence for students who need exactly that. She has such a skilled
way of helping students manage even their most difficult emotions and
behaviors [...]. It's truly a pleasure to work with and see her in action."
Mercedes brings the experience of her previous work as a mental health technician for a mental health facility and as a preschool
teacher. She says, “I like
making all the small daily accomplishments with all our children, because it
makes me feel like I help make a difference in a child’s life.” Her principal, Jane Quenneville, adds that “Mercedes is a very
dedicated and hardworking employee with an excellent working relationship with
our students with autism. She is well respected by the staff and is a welcome
addition to Kilmer Center.”
Mercedes
enjoys going to parks or to the movies with her kids. She loves hanging out with her family and tries to coordinate barbecues no matter
what the weather is. Marvelous work, Mercedes!
Elder Care Information and Resources Panel
By 2020, it's estimated that 12 million older Americans
will need long-term care. Having an elder care plan can be a helpful resource
for you, your family, and your elderly loved one. Learn about the available
elder care resources in our region and hear from representatives who can
provide guidance at the Elder Care Information and Resources Panel. The event will be held on Tuesday, April 3, 4:30 p.m., at Willow Oaks Administration Center. Please register on MyPLT for #HR-808040, section 2018-1.
FCPS is hosting its 13th annual Special Education Conference on Saturday, April 21, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hayfield SS. Dr.
Pamela Mims, the keynote speaker, will present Using Evidence to Guide
Practice: Justifying Inclusion for All. Choose from over 60 workshops! Register now.
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An electronic election to
fill one trustee position on the Board of Trustees for the Educational
Employees’ Supplementary Retirement System of Fairfax County (ERFC) will be
held April 24-26. Notice 4771 outlines the election process and
includes a petition for interested candidates to use in qualifying for the
election. Candidates must also submit a
statement for inclusion in election materials, explaining in 100 words or less
their qualifications for the trustee position. Petitions and candidate
statements must be returned to the Office of Equity and Employee Relations
(EER), Suite 2615, Gatehouse Administration Center, 8115 Gatehouse Road, Falls
Church, VA 22042, by 4:30 p.m. on April 6. If you have
questions, please call EER at 571-423-3252.
Follow ERFC on Social Media!
Have you checked out ERFC on social media? Be sure to follow them on Twitter and like them on Facebook. It’s a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest retirement trends and events. And of course, you can always visit ERFC’s website for additional information.
Staff Staples
Note: Intranet access is required to open some of the links in this email. If you're using a mobile device or working remotely, you can connect to the intranet via the Pulse Secure VPN (Virtual Private Network). Email RequestIT@fcps.edu with questions.
Employee News is sent to all FCPS employees every Tuesday. Please email EmployeeNews@fcps.edu with potential submissions or questions. Submissions are due by 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Thank you!
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