Last Updated: September 23, 2005
On behalf of the Wachusett Regional School Committee, the members of the Administrative Team and your fellow employees, I am pleased to welcome you to the District and to wish you success with your employment here. I hope that you will enjoy all the satisfaction that comes from a career in public education.
This handbook was developed to describe some of the expectations the District has for its employees, and to outline the policies, programs, and benefits that are available to eligible employees. You should familiarize yourself with the contents of the Employee Handbook as soon as possible, for it will answer most questions you may have about employment with the District.
We believe that an employee contributes directly to the District's ability to provide the best education possible to the children we serve. We hope that you will take pride in being a member of our team and that your experience with the District will be challenging, enjoyable, and rewarding.
Again, welcome!
Very truly yours,
Alfred D. Tutela, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
This Employee Handbook is designed to acquaint you with the Wachusett Regional School District as an employer and to provide you with information about working conditions, employee benefits, and some of the policies affecting your employment. You should read, understand, and comply with all provisions of this Handbook, which describes many of your responsibilities as an employee and outlines the programs developed by the District to benefit employees. One of our objectives is to provide a work environment that is conducive to both personal and professional growth.
No Employee Handbook can anticipate every circumstance or question about policies. From time to time, the need may arise to change policies described in this Handbook. The District, therefore, reserves the right to revise, supplement, or rescind any policies or portion(s) of the Handbook as it deems appropriate, through the appropriate process. You will be notified of such changes as they occur, and told how to substitute the updated information.
This Handbook is meant to provide generalized guidelines for employees in collective bargaining units. For non-bargaining unit employees, this Handbook, in conjunction with approved School Committee Personnel Policies and individual employment contracts, reflects your benefits and rights.
Wherever discrepancies exist between this Handbook and collective bargaining agreements, i.e. union contracts, or between this Handbook and an individual's employment contract, the agreement or contract will prevail. Employees should receive a copy of their agreement or contract when hired. Contracts are available in the Office of Administrative Services at the Superintendent's Office, Jefferson School, 1745 Main Street, Jefferson, Massachusetts.
Wachusett Regional School Committee
Goals
The Wachusett Regional School District shall develop and implement a high-quality curriculum that is consistent throughout the District and exceeds the requirements of the state frameworks; it shall provide challenging educational programs that interest and motivate students to individual achievement; it shall promote stimulating optional programs and activities that will promote maximum individual achievement. The District shall maintain high standards based on academic benchmarks that are measurable by national standardized testing, state assessments including the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment Standards and classroom authentic assessment.
The Wachusett Regional School District shall support attitudes and behavior that communicate confidence in and promote the success of all children; it shall promote a child-centered approach that regards the success of each individual as the primary focus of all activity; it shall provide an academic culture that ensures that all students can achieve to their highest potential; it shall provide support as needed to ensure that all students can participate and succeed in an environment most conducive to learning.
The Wachusett Regional School District shall utilize the most efficient distribution of resources; it shall develop and implement a regional facilities plan that strives to ensure an adequate and appropriate physical environment; and it shall provide the highest quality educational program within available resources.
The Wachusett Regional School District shall make every effort to ensure that instruction and assessment are adapted to students' individual learning styles and meet the full range of each student's individual needs and challenge each student's full range of abilities; it shall foster critical and independent thinking for all students throughout the district; it shall provide instruction and assessments that promote active student learning; and it shall provide a program of professional development in order to ensure that all staff members possess the skills necessary to engage students in learning.
The Wachusett Regional School District shall establish high standards and provide guidance in the development of the responsible social behaviors of an educated citizenry; it shall provide programs that promote active involvement in school and community activities; it shall encourage and implement extended day/year and after-school programs to meet the needs of the region; and it shall promote partnerships that will increase parental participation in the social, emotional, and academic growth of children.
The Wachusett Regional School District shall respond to the changing global economy and need for individual flexibility by integrating knowledge within application within the context of lifelong learning; it shall promote and support the widespread use of technology in the classrooms to ensure that all students possess the skills to compete in a technological society; it shall encourage and support the efforts of students to reach beyond the traditional academic program into areas of interest; and it shall provide options for learning through alternative educational opportunities.
The Wachusett Regional School District shall provide an environment that validates students' need to feel valued, safe, and secure as a prerequisite to learning; it shall make every effort to ensure that all schools are free from controlled substances and violence; it shall provide support programs that promote an appreciation for diversity; and it sjall promote respect, tolerance and equal opportunity for all among staff and students.
The Wachusett Regional School District shall develop a comprehensive, long-term high school facility solution; and it shall disseminate information relative to the educational and financial appropriateness of the solution.