While it’s common for teachers to plan lessons and grade assignments at home, a new Prince William County Schools regulation formally confirms that this activity is strictly voluntary.
Prince William County Schools has approved regulation, R 561-1, which defines and clarifies telework for school division employees.
PWCS employees are expected to complete their required/assigned duties onsite and during scheduled work hours. While telework (working remotely via computer, smartphone, tablet, or other electronic device) is not specifically authorized for any PWCS employee, it is recognized that employees voluntarily work remotely from home or other locations with no expectation of financial remuneration or affect on their contract hours or days. Notwithstanding this recognition, telework is not a permissible substitute for normal duties conducted at schools, in the Central Office, or any other PWCS facilities.
The regulation also discourages classified employees from participating in telework, as these staff members must be compensated for all hours worked.
According to the new regulation, classified employees may only participate in telework when specifically assigned and approved by his or her supervisor.
“Classified employees shall not perform work at home or through telework unless it is specifically assigned and approved in advance by their supervisor,” the regulation states. “Classified employees will be compensated when home or telework is appropriately approved.”
The School Division will remind staff of the new regulation in Code Red and Green closing announcements.
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