Fact Sheet: 12 Month Principals

(June 21, 2005 Update)

Questions and Answers

General Questions

• Question 1: What is the start date for the transition period of the 12-month principals?
  
  Answer: Friday, July 1 remains the official start date. In addition, July 18 was selected as an alternative start date.
  
  Start dates between July 1 and July 18 will be managed between the Complex Area Superintendent (CAS) and the Principal.
  
  Start dates after July 18 will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
  
  Start dates after July 18, could impact retirement considerations. The highest three-year salary average will be impacted by the loss of wages from July 1, 2005 to July 18, 2005, if 2005 is one of the three years considered.
  
  
• Question 2: What should I do if I cannot report to work on July 1?
  
  Answer: Discussions should be held with your CAS to determine how your delay will be handled. Dependent on your circumstances, alternative arrangements may be made.
  
  
• Question 3: If I report on July 1, am I eligible to receive summer pay and the 12-month principal pay?
  
  Answer: Yes, principals who report on July 1 will receive their summer pay and they will also receive their 12-month principal pay, which will start on the July 20th paycheck.
  
  
• Question 4: Will I receive the Fourth of July holiday payment?
  
  Answer: It is anticipated that all Principals will be paid the Fourth of July holiday, if they are on paid status at least one of the five working days immediately preceding the holiday.

Benefit Questions

• Question 1: In converting from 10 month to 12 month, how does this affect my sick leave and vacation?
  
  Answer: Principals will earn credit for 1-3/4; days of sick leave and 1-3/4 days of vacation for every full month of employment beginning July 1, 2005.
  
  Principals are allowed to carry over their accumulated sick leave (unlimited). Principals do not currently earn vacation leave that is accumulated. As a result, carry over vacation leave will not be an issue in the initial conversion. Going forward, they can accumulate vacation up to 90 days.
  
  
• Question 2: In converting from 10 month to 12 month, what impact will it have on Leave Sharing?
  
  Answer: Days for Leave Share will be first taken from vacation and then from sick leave, if insufficient vacation has been accumulated.
  
  
• Question 3: If I am shown to be on a leave without pay for an extended period in July 2005, will that impact my Employee Retirement System status?
  
  Answer: We are reflecting your status as a reappointment, so there should not be an issues concerning leave without pay.
  
  According to the Employees Retirement System (ERS), as long as an employee does not go on Leave Without Pay for more than 15 calendar days, they will receive the July's full month's service.
  
  However, if July 2005 is part of the Average Final Salary, it may affect what is earned for this month on the pension calculation.
  
  
• Question 4: If I am on a sabbatical (Professional Improvement Leave With Pay) that does not conclude until the beginning of the School Year 2005/2006, do I need to return July 1, 2005?
  
  Answer: Your School Year 2004/2005 sabbatical will carry forward through the 2005 summer and you will be paid in accordance with the former 10-month salary structure. Your Return from Leave will be the date you indicate on your Summer 2005 Principal Return-To-Work Form. Should you return after July 18, this will have to be handled on a case-by-case basis with the CAS.
  
  
• Question 5: How will sabbaticals be handled on a going forward basis for 12-month principals?
  
  Answer: We are recommending the following as the beginning and ending dates for sabbaticals, July 1 through December 31 and January 1 through June 30.
  
  
• Question 6: What impact does this conversion have on Informal Personal Leave?
  
  Answer: Accrued vacation allows for principals to conduct personal business during working hours. Therefore, Informal Personal Leave no longer applies.
  
  

Summer School/Multi-Track School

• Question 1: If I am administering a 2005 summer school program that does not complete until after July 1, 2005, what will happen?
  
  Answer: Your last day of summer school will be June 30, 2005. You will be paid a lump sum for the assignment up to and including June 30, 2005. Arrangements for a substitute should be made effective July 1, 2005, for the remainder of the summer school period.
  
  
• Question 2: I am currently a 12-month principal on a 10-month salary structure working at a multi-track school. How will that change on July 1, 2005?
  
  Answer: Your salary and its increase are still being discussed with the Hawaii Government Employee Association. Details will be provided as soon as they are agreed to.
  
  Vice principal's salary range classifications will continue to reflect the appropriate salary range based on the multi-track principal's classification.