Employee News - Tuesday, 8/21/18

Liberty MS counselors


Congratulations to Liberty MS' Student Services team for receiving the Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) designation from the American School Counselor Association. (Photo: Liberty MS)


Superintendent Brabrand's Back-to-School Message

Dr. Brabrand at his desk

We hope everyone had an awesome summer break! If you haven't had a chance to check out Dr. Brabrand's back-to-school message, please watch it now. Have an amazing school year!


Teachers dressed as super heroes

How to Find Employee Resources on FCPS.edu

Looking for quick links to portal logins, payroll information, salary scales, licensure, benefits, or retirement information? Start here. Or, go to fcps.edu, click Full Menu (top left) > Current Employees > Employee Resources. Note: If you are using a mobile device, click on the three bars on the top left to access the Full Menu. 


ICYMI: Summer News Headlines 

FCPS released several major divisionwide announcements over the summer including the ones below: 

Visit the News section of FCPS' website for more announcements.


    Changes to Additional Salary Regulation

    FCPS Regulation 4621.10 Salary Guides—Credit Beyond Bachelor's Degree, which governs the procedures for awarding current teacher-scale personnel salary credit upon completion of additional coursework beyond a bachelor’s degree, has been revised. Revisions to the regulation, commonly referred to as “Additional Salary Requests,” include:

    • The ten (10) year time frame limit on acceptable credits has been eliminated.
    • Restrictions around courses completed as part of a provisional license have been eliminated.
    • Multiple conferred master’s degrees will be equivalent to a master’s plus 30 (MA+30) for placement on the salary scale.
    • Juris Doctorate degrees will be considered as equivalent to a doctoral degree for placement on the doctoral salary lane.

    Please visit the Licensure page on the intranet for detailed information, including steps on how to submit an Additional Salary Request application.


    Photo of the Week

    #Otherpeoplematter mural at Centreville HS


    #Otherpeoplematter at Centreville ES. Centreville is one of about 65 Fairfax County public schools that have embraced the Positivity Project, an initiative committed to "empowering America’s youth to build strong relationships by seeing the good in themselves and others." Shout out to the Centreville ES staff members who created this powerful piece of art. (Photo: Josh Douds, Centreville ES)


    Check Your Federal Withholdings

    The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 reduced the amount of federal tax withheld from paychecks. Most employees saw an increase in their take-home pay. However, the IRS warns that for higher wage earners and/or double income families, the new tax bracket will not deduct enough taxes during the year, resulting in a tax bill when filing income tax returns next spring. To avoid this, the IRS recommends using their Withholding Calculator and reviewing Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax. Visit the Office of Payroll Management's page on the intranet for more details.    


    Add FCPS.edu Calendars to Your Outlook

    There's a new functionality on FCPS' website that allows you to subscribe to various calendars and have them automatically added to your Outlook calendar or your iphone calendar. Simply go to the Subscribe to Calendars page and pick the calendars you'd like to add. Choices include:

    • All Calendars
    • Job Fairs and Recruitment Events
    • School Year
    • Employee Calendar
    • Featured FCPS Events
    • Noteworthy Events
    • Religious and Cultural Observances
    • School Board Meeting Calendar 

    If you need help adding a calendar, watch this short video.


    Fall Tuition Reimbursement Is Now Open!

    Are you taking or planning to take for-credit undergraduate or graduate coursework this fall? If so, be sure to apply for fall tuition reimbursement! Interested contracted employees may apply for up to $700 in tuition reimbursement for one fall course (fall terms with a start and end date between August 18-December 31). FCPS offers a maximum reimbursement of $1,400 per year, per employee—that equates to one course per term or a total of two courses.

    To apply for tuition reimbursement, use FCPS’ new Tuition Reimbursement Portal through October 1. (VPN required if accessing remotely.) Or, please email Tuitionbenefits@fcps.edu.


    Get on Your Way to Financial Independence with ERFC!

    ERFC video thumbnail showing a paper bill with "pension" on it.


    Did you know that full-time FCPS employees are automatically enrolled in The Educational Employees' Supplementary Retirement System of Fairfax County (ERFC)? This pension is an extraordinary employee benefit that begins with your first paycheck! See how ERFC can help you gain financial independence! Watch the video.  

    ERFC 2018 Annual Member Statements Available Online

    ERFC has posted 2018 Annual Member Benefit Statements to its members’ ERFCDirect accounts. Members may now view and download their personalized statement of retirement benefits. Members who do not have an ERFCDirect account should select “First-time User? Register Now” and follow the simple step-by-step instructions to create an account. If you have questions regarding ERFCDirect or the Annual Member Statement, please contact ERFC at 703-426-3900 or erfcoffice@fcps.edu. 


    New Positions Align with FCPS' Focus on Integrity

    At the 2018 Leadership Conference, Superintendent Brabrand clearly stated FCPS' expectation that all employees possess "integrity beyond reproach and follow our procedures, policies, and the law." Two new positions have been created to help ensure that expectation is being met:  

    Equity and Employee Relations Director

    Catherine Carroll was named as the new director for the Office of Equity and Employee Relations (EER). Catherine brings a wealth of knowledge in the areas of employee sexual misconduct, discrimination in the workplace, Title IX, and investigations. Catherine is a resident of Fairfax County and an FCPS parent. She is committed to collaborating with her team to create policies and procedures addressing sexual misconduct, discrimination, and accessibility issues. Catherine’s first day will be Friday, August 31.

    Coordinator, Internal Investigations and Title IX

    Bryan Gibson is FCPS’ new coordinator, Internal Investigations and Title IX. Bryan's key responsibilities include planning, managing, and coordinating program activities and personnel for the Investigations and Title IX section for the Office of the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources. We are extremely excited to have Bryan in this expanded role for FCPS and HR. He has done a tremendous job for FCPS as an internal investigator and also as the acting director of EER. Bryan officially started his new position on August 1. He will continue to help lead EER until Catherine Carroll joins EER on August 31.


    #OurFCPS Faces: Karin Stamper

    Karin Stamper, Student Information Assistant


    Karin Stamper’s first experience working in a Fairfax County public school was 15 years ago. She was employed by the county Health Department as a school health aide at Lynbrook ES. Karin officially joined FCPS more than seven years ago as a student information assistant (SIA) at Garfield ES. She was later promoted to an SIA with the IT FASTeam, which has allowed her to expand her skills. Karen says, “It is gratifying to help our FCPS family. I miss seeing students but love working with SIS (Student Information System) and my team.”

    As part of the IT FASTeam, one of Karin’s primary responsibilities is to help employees resolve errors in SIS. Her focus areas in SIS are discipline, enrollment, and immunizations. She also assists with immunization trainings for student information assistants. Karin’s supervisor, Robin Borean says, “Karin’s passion for supporting FCPS staff and students has made her an invaluable member of the IT FASTeam. Her positive attitude and winning smile have endeared her to her customers and teammates alike. No question is too hard, no task to great or small. We are fortunate to have Karin on our team." Coordinator Paul Downey adds, “The 'main thing' for Karin has always been to provide the best support for the schools." 

    Karin says, “I am lucky to work with a great team, as we help and support each other.” In her spare time, Karin enjoys spending time with family and friends, the great outdoors, DIY projects, and soccer. “I am a soccer fan, having played myself and coached all three of my daughters." 

    FCPS appreciates your excellent customer service and dedication, Karin!


    VRS Hybrid Members: Take Advantage of Matching Retirement Contributions

    Most instructional and school-based staff hired after January 1, 2014, are members of the VRS Hybrid Retirement Plan. If you’re a hybrid member, it’s time to enroll or make changes to voluntary contributions


    "In the end generosity is the best way of becoming more, more, and more joyful.” -- Dalai Lama

    See the Latest Issue of Audit Buzz

    Increase your audit knowledge by reading the Office of Auditor General’s (OAG) Audit Buzz. In the latest issue, you'll find recently completed audits including Adult and Community Education (ACE), Facilities Maintenance, and Workers Compensation, as well as other updates. View Audit Buzz now. 


    Nominations Open for Business, Community, and Workforce Partner of the Year

    The Foundation for FCPS is soliciting nominations for Business Partner of the Year, Community Partner of the Year, and Workforce Development Partner of the Year. The awards recognize the valuable contributions being made by business and non-profit partners in our schools and programs, and increase awareness of the importance of business and civic involvement in supporting students in our schools. The nomination period will close on September 12. Awards will be handed out at the State of Education Luncheon on November 27. Visit the Foundation’s website for more 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!