Benefits

Introduction

This information is intended to offer a simple and concise explanation for each benefit option offered by the R-VI District. It is designed for quick reference, and as an introduction to the important programs which you may be eligible to enjoy as an employee in this school system.

Please bear in mind, however, that detailed explanations of benefit programs and their application to specific circumstances are beyond the scope of this document. Each benefit area has contact representatives and accompanying phone numbers which you will receive if hired by the district.

If the contents of this web page are confusing or if you have basic questions which remain unanswered, please contact central office personnel. Specific instructions to this effect have been added at the conclusion of this document.

"Full Time" Versus "Part Time" Employees
Health and dental insurance through the R-VI District requires the recipient to be the equivalent of a "full time" employee. For purposes of receiving these benefits, an employee is considered full time if he or she works 30 or more hours in a week's time. Part time employees for purposes of benefits are individuals who work less than 30 hours in a week's time.

Employee Benefits

I. Health Insurance Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City

Description:

Health insurance through the R-VI District is provided with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City. The programs are Preferred-Care-Blue and Blue Care. The coverage will vary based upon the type of program selected and the participating doctor. Provisions of the coverage, including the prescription drug card, are outlined in literature given to each employee upon being hired and in May of each year following changes in coverage. Literature provided also contains a phone number for a detailed response to specific questions.

The district pays the basic portion of the employee's health insurance coverage which will cover the HMO plan. The employee is able to purchase inpidual coverage with a deductible, or additional coverage for spouse, children or family. The cost associated with these extra components must be paid by the employee. Preference for plan coverage can be indicated at the time of employment and in May of each year thereafter.

Eligibility:

Both certified and non-certified full time employees are eligible for this benefit. Part time employees are not eligible for this benefit.

II. Dental Insurance Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City

Description:

Dental insurance is provided in conjunction with the health insurance program. The District's dental plan is a basic preferred care program offering coverage for routine dental procedures. Once again, the reimbursement from the plan varies based upon the participation of the dentist being used. The plan and related coverages are outlined in literature given to all participating employees upon being hired. Changes in coverage are described in June of each year thereafter. Literature provided also contains a phone number for a detailed response to specific questions.

The District pays the employee's portion of the plan cost. Coverage for spouse, children and family are available as well. The cost of additional coverage must be paid by the employee. Preference for plan coverage can be indicated at the time of employment and in May of each school year.

Eligibility:

Both certified and non-certified full time employees are eligible for this benefit. Part time employees are not eligible for this program.

III. Retirement Programs

Description:

The State of Missouri offers both "teacher" and "non-teacher" retirement programs. The programs involve monthly employee contributions which are automatically withheld from pay as a deduction. The District then matches those contributions creating an account to be used upon retirement. Each employee receives a yearly report noting the status of that account.

All aspects of both retirement programs are explained in detail through publications available form the State of Missouri. Literature outlining the programs and identifying a contact person is provided at the time of hiring.

Eligibility:

The District is required, by law, to enroll all eligible employees in the teacher or non-teacher program. All full time employees are eligible for full year credit. Employees must work a minimum of twenty (20) hours per week or the equivalent thereof to be eligible for part time participation in the program.

IV. Cafeteria Plan Options

Description:

The District provides the opportunity to purchase pre-taxed benefits through a "cafeteria plan." Employees may elect to obtain additional benefits such as life insurance, cancer coverage and eye care coverage through this plan. These additional benefits are available at the employee's expense. However, deductions for payment will be made by the District prior to withholding taxes.

Eligibility:

All full time employees are eligible for participation in the cafeteria plan. A meeting is typically held each fall with a representative to outline the plan options. Employees may make benefit selections during the fall of each school year.

V. Pre-Tax Investment Options

Description:

Employees wishing to make pre-tax investments in mutual funds or other types of annuities should inquire at the central office. Small groups of inpiduals often work through an area broker to arrange such investments. The District attempts to assist with this process as an additional benefit to employees.

Eligibility:

All employees are eligible for participation in this process. However, groups of five or more participants are generally required to establish an investment program.

VI. Leave Options

1. Annual Leave - Each year certificated employees will be granted twelve, thirteen, or fourteen annual leave days based on number of contracted days. Non-certified staff will be awarded two annual leave days each year plus an additional day for each month worked. Annual leave days will be prorated for partial year worked. Certified and support employees will be eligible to accumulate up to and including 100 leave days to be used exclusively for illness or bereavement when current year leave is exhausted.

Specific provisions of the various forms of District leave are set out in Regulation 4320.

2. Leave for Professional Growth - Certified and non-certified employees are eligible for paid leave associated with training and professional growth. Access to this leave at any given time is subject to the availability of funds and approval by the employee's immediate supervisor.

At times, the District will request that employees attend activities related to training or professional growth. During these instances, the District will provide pay for the leave as well as related trip expenses.
District procedures associated with professional leave are outlined in Board Policy #4420.

3. Family and Medical Leave - The Board of Education recognizes that leaves of absence are occasionally necessary due to family or medical reasons. The District has adopted detailed procedures to ensure compliance with the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA). As provided by District regulations, eligible employees are entitled to use up to twelve (12) workweeks of unpaid leave for family and medical reasons. The Board of Education has designated a District administrator to act as FMLA Compliance Officer. As part of its compliance program, the District will notify each employee of the name, address and telephone number of the District’s FMLA Compliance Officer and will provide a statement of commitment to adhere to FMLA regulations. The FMLA Compliance Officer will regularly evaluate the District’s FMLA compliance to ensure fair and equitable opportunities for all eligible employeesGuidelines for employee eligibility for Family and Medical Leave are outlined in Board Policy #4321.

Non-certified employees are not eligible for the sick leave pool.

4. Other Leave Opportunities - The District makes provisions for other types of leave related to bereavement, child care, medical circumstances, etc. The specific conditions for use of each of these benefits are outlined in Board Policy #4300. Copies of these policies are available in each building and at the central office. Administrators can assist with exploration of these options.

VII. Worker's Compensation

Any employee injured while at work may be eligible for worker's compensation benefits. Any injury obtained while at work must be reported to the supervisor AND the central office immediately. At that time, the District physician will examine the employee. Additional steps and procedures will then be outlined.

The District may not be able to honor worker's compensation claims which are not preceded by the steps outlined above.

Need Assistance?

The benefits and circumstances outline above are confusing as well as abbreviated. In the event that additional clarification is needed, questions can be directed to an assistant superintendent. The phone number for the central office staff is 660-747-7823. Your inquiries are welcome and will be addressed promptly.