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BENEFITS AND PAYROLL

ALICIA.BOSWELL@NISD.US

 (830) 372-1930  EXT. 6203

OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

2022-2023 Compensation Handbook

Disclaimer: Salary schedules may be reproduced for illustrative purposes; however in the event of a discrepancy or error, only the official salary schedule as adopted by the board of trustees and filed as the official minutes of board action shall be used for computation of salaries. Employees shall be paid a prorated salary based upon the actual number of days remaining in the official school calendar in the event the employee does not work the total number of days according to the official calendar. The Board of Trustees retains the right to set the compensation plan for the district according to their sole discretion.

Disclaimer: Salary schedules may be reproduced for illustrative purposes; however in the event of a discrepancy or error, only the official salary schedule as adopted by the board of trustees and filed as the official minutes of board action shall be used for computation of salaries. Employees shall be paid a prorated salary based upon the actual number of days remaining in the official school calendar in the event the employee does not work the total number of days according to the official calendar. The Board of Trustees retains the right to set the compensation plan for the district according to their sole discretion.

Salaries, wages, and stipends

Employees are paid in accordance with administrative guidelines and a pay structure established for each position. The District's pay plans are reviewed by the administration each year and adjusted as needed. All District positions are classified as exempt or nonexempt according to federal law. Professional and administrative employees are generally classified as exempt and are paid monthly salaries. They are not entitled to overtime compensation.

Salaries and wages are reviewed on an annual basis and adjusted according to the budgeted amounts approved by the Board. All employees will receive written notice of their pay and work schedules before the start of each school year. Classroom teachers and librarians will be paid no less than the minimum state salary schedule. Contract employees who perform extracurricular or supplemental duties may be paid a stipend in addition to their salary according to the District's extra-duty pay schedule.

Payroll deductions

Automatic payroll deductions for the Texas Teacher Retirement System (TRS) and federal income tax are required for all full-time employees. Medicare tax deductions are required for all employees hired after March 31, 1986. Temporary and part-time employees who are not eligible for TRS membership must have their Social Security contributions deducted.

Some other payroll deductions that employees may choose to utilize include deductions for the employee's share of premiums for health, dental, life, and vision insurance; annuities; and savings deposits and loan payments through one of the District's approved agencies. Employees also may request payroll deduction for payment of membership dues to professional organizations. Salary deductions are automatically made for unauthorized or unpaid leave.

Overtime compensation

The District compensates overtime for nonexempt employees in accordance with federal wage and hour laws. All employees are classified as exempt or nonexempt for purposes of overtime compensation. Professional and administrative employees are ineligible for overtime compensation. Only nonexempt employees (hourly employees and paraprofessional employees) are entitled to overtime compensation. Nonexempt employees are not authorized to work beyond their normal work schedule without advance approval from their supervisor. Compensatory time earned must be used according to a schedule that is mutually agreeable to the employee and supervisor.

Health, dental, and life insurance

Group health insurance coverage is available to employees who are considered full-time by working 20 or more hours per week. The District's contribution to employee insurance premiums is determined annually by the Board of Trustees. Detailed descriptions of insurance coverage, prices, and eligibility requirements are provided to all employees in a separate handout called "Explanation of Benefits."

The insurance plan year is from September 1 through August 31. New employees must complete enrollment forms within the first 10 days of employment. Current employees can make changes in their insurance coverage by contacting the Business Office.

Supplemental insurance benefits

At their own expense, employees may enroll in supplemental insurance programs for life, dental, vision, disability, and cancer. Premiums for these programs can be paid by payroll deduction. Employees should contact the Business Office for more information.

Cafeteria plan benefits

Employees may be eligible to participate in the Cafeteria Plan and, under IRS regulations, must either accept or reject this benefit. This plan enables eligible employees to pay certain insurance premiums on a pretax basis (i.e., disability, accidental death and dismemberment, cancer and dread disease, dental, and additional term life insurance). A third-party administrator handles employee claims made on these accounts.

New employees must accept or reject this benefit during their first month of employment. All employees must accept or reject this benefit on an annual basis during the specified time period.

Workers' compensation insurance

The District, in accordance with state law, provides workers' compensation benefits to employees who suffer a work-related illness or are injured on the job. Benefits help pay for medical treatment and make up for part of the income lost while recovering. Specific benefits are prescribed by law depending on the circumstances of each case. All work-related accidents or injuries should be reported immediately to the Central Office - Human Resources. Employees who are unable to work due to a work-related injury will be notified of their rights and responsibilities under the Texas Labor Code.

Unemployment compensation insurance

Employees who have been laid off or terminated through no fault of their own may be eligible for unemployment compensation benefits under the Texas Unemployment Compensation Act. Employees are not eligible to collect unemployment benefits during regularly scheduled breaks in the school year or the summer months if they have employment contracts or reasonable assurance of returning to service. Employees with questions about unemployment benefits should contact the business office.

Teacher retirement

All personnel employed on a regular basis for at least one-half of the normal work schedule are members of the Texas Teacher Retirement System (TRS). Substitutes not receiving TRS service retirement benefits who work at least 90 days a year are also eligible for TRS membership and to purchase a year of creditable service. TRS provides members with an annual statement of their account showing all deposits and the total account balance for the year ending August 31, as well as an estimate of their retirement benefits.

Employees who plan to retire under TRS should notify the Human Resources Office as soon as possible. Information on the application procedures for TRS benefits is available at the Central Office. Additional inquiries should be addressed to: Teacher Retirement System of Texas, 1000 Red River Street, Austin, Texas 78701-2698, or call 800-223-8778 or 512-397-6400. TRS information is also available on the Web (www.trs.state.tx.us).