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.