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United Healthcare explanation of benefits
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Pasadena's patrons have consistently supported their schools, digging deep into their pockets to provide the kind of financial backing necessary to run a quality school system. Although the Pasadena schools do not enjoy a high taxable wealth per student, Pasadena taxpayers have shouldered the necessary tax burden to make their school district a place where teachers want to work. The Board of Trustees reflects the public sentiment by keeping employee salaries high and fringe benefits competitive.

Sick Leave and Insurance

Full-time employees qualify for State Personal Leave Days, consisting of a maximum of five days per year with no limit on accumulation. Effective August 1995, state personal leave days can be used according to policy. In addition Pasadena provides employees five days of local sick leave. This procedure shows trust in district employees and extends a measure of professionalism.

Insurance benefits include health insurance through the district's self-funded PPO/EPP plan and life insurance. Optional life insurance, cancer, dental, disability, vision and annuity programs are available through a pre-tax payroll deduction program.

In accordance with state law, school employees contribute 6.4 percent of their salary to the Teacher Retirement System (TRS), while the state contributes an additional six percent.

Contracts and Finances

All employees new to the district are given a one-year probationary contract regardless of experience. If the employee has served in public education for five of the eight years prior to employment with the district, he or she is eligible to be recommended for a three-year term contract at the end of the probationary period.

Employees with less than five years experience may be eligible for two additional one-year periods, for a maximum permissible probationary contract of three school years. A probationary contract period may be extended to a fourth consecutive probationary contract if, during the third year, the board determines that it is doubtful whether a term contract should be given. Term contracts continue to come up for renewal every three years regardless of the employee's length of service with the district.

Membership in the Gulf Coast Educators Federal Credit Union is available to all employees. Members can make insured investments and apply for loans through the credit union. Direct deposits are available for checking accounts as are payroll deductions for savings accounts and loan payments.

Communications and Input

The district publishes many special publications to keep its employees informed of district policies, programs, people and events. UPDATE is a weekly bulletin of events, activities, and personnel openings. PINNACLE is a community newsletter published five times each year for patrons and employees of the Pasadena Independent School District. It is designed to showcase staff and student achievements and address district-wide concerns.

Teachers are an important part of the decision making process in the Pasadena schools. Various committees in which teachers play a significant role, facilitate the process of school improvement.

A District Education Committee (DEC) meets regularly with a representative from the Board of Trustees and the superintendent to discuss issues related to curriculum and instruction. Two- thirds of the DEC consist of classroom teachers, while the remaining third is campus staff. DEC's purpose is to give teachers and principals a greater voice in decisions made about curriculum and instruction.

Discipline and the Extras

Programs, facilities and support services contribute to making Pasadena ISD the type of educational community that offers the best possible opportunities for students and staff.

Pasadena schools have long held the reputation for firm and consistent discipline. As a result, Pasadena teachers work in a secure teaching and learning environment. Basic to the Pasadena schools is the belief that discipline and order in the classrooms are essential. Students are made aware of rules and regulations, and teachers have the solid backing and support of administration when help is needed to handle a problem. We require all schools to enforce a standardized dress or uniform dress code.

Pasadena was one of the first districts in Texas to establish a school-community guidance center for students who would have been suspended from school for disciplinary reasons. In the Guidance Center, students are retained in a separate educational setting where counselors works with them to help solve their problems and speed their return to the regular classroom.

Learning Resource Centers at each school contain extensive print and non-print materials to help teachers plan interesting lessons and make learning more fun. The LRC also provides students with research sources and a place to relax with a good book.

With the growing number of academic and social needs of students, trained counselors and diagnosticians are available to each campus.

Registered nurses on every campus help ensure a healthy learning environment for Pasadena's students. The nurses monitor potential and existing health problems that can interfere with a child's educational process by monitoring compliance with immunization requirements, assisting with health education, conducting vision and hearing screenings, counseling students and parents, as well as providing emergency care for students and faculty