Update: May 27, 2021
Yes. Effective July 6, when HCPSS moves from Step 4 to Step 5 of the Central Office Reoccupation Plan, face coverings will no longer be required for fully vaccinated staff members in public spaces, including hallways, restrooms, conference spaces, and the Boardroom Cafe or when interacting with members of the public.
Non-teaching positions at the DEC will include school administrators, school counselors, paraeducators and other support staff.
Employees who work at the DEC have the same rights as any other HCPSS employee and can join or continue membership in respective bargaining units.
Staff will have other duties that are outlined in the job description and that align with the negotiated agreements.
Compensation for DEC staff will follow the negotiated agreements.
DEC staff will participate in a variety of professional learning opportunities from both the DEC and their supervisory office (curriculum, student services, etc.). Required professional learning may include virtual teaching and learning pedagogy, social/emotional learning strategies, and other training that all HCPSS staff are required to complete.
The hours per day will be consistent with those approved in the negotiated agreement. It will be similar to other elementary schedules.
Yes. Once an employee accepts a position with the DEC they will be assigned to the program. If an employee no longer wishes to work with the DEC, they would submit a voluntary transfer at the end of the school year. Employees would not be guaranteed a position at their former school.
The Howard County Public School System is planning a full-time, virtual option for students entering grades K-12 who wish to learn virtually for the 2021-2022 school year. Once finalized, the Digital Education Center (DEC) program will give students the opportunity to take classes and earn credits virtually, while receiving support services from both the DEC and their districted home school. DEC students will continue to be “enrolled” in their districted home school and will be able to participate in athletics and activities at that school.
