The Governing Board recognizes that working remotely at home or at another alternative location may be necessary at times when widespread illness, natural disaster, or other emergency condition makes the school or worksite unsafe or otherwise interrupts the district's ability to effectively conduct operations at the school or worksite. A full-time, part-time, or short-term remote work arrangement may also be granted by the Superintendent or designee to an individual employee, upon request, provided that the position is suitable for remote work, the employee has consistently demonstrated the ability to work independently and meet performance expectations, and the work arrangement does not hinder district operations.
(cf. 3516 - Emergencies and Disaster Preparedness Plan)
(cf. 3516.5 - Emergency Schedules)
(cf. 4030 - Nondiscrimination in Employment)
(cf. 4032 - Reasonable Accommodation)
(cf. 4113 - Assignment)
(cf. 4157/4257/4357 - Employee Safety)
(cf. 6157 - Distance Learning)
The opportunity to work remotely shall be entirely at the district's discretion, and no grievance or appeal right may arise from district denial of any employee request for remote work.
Employees approved for remote work shall comply with all district policies, administrative regulations, work schedules, and job assignments. Except when specifically agreed, approval of remote work shall not change the compensation, benefits, or other terms and conditions of employment of an employee.
(cf. 4141/4241 - Collective Bargaining Agreement)
(cf. 4151/4251/4351 - Employee Compensation)
(cf. 4154/4254/4354 - Health and Welfare Benefits)
Unless otherwise approved in advance by the Superintendent or designee, employees working remotely shall do so within regular work hours established for the position. Employees are entitled and expected to take appropriate, uninterrupted meal and rest breaks, and shall keep accurate records of the hours they work. Employees shall notify their supervisor when unable to perform work assignments due to illness, equipment failure, or other unforeseen circumstances.
(cf. 4161.1/4361.1 - Personal Illness/Injury Leave)
(cf. 4261.1 - Personal Illness/Injury Leave)
Employees working remotely are expected to conduct their work in a location that is safe and free of obstructions, hazards, and distractions. Such employees shall report to their supervisor any serious injury or illness occurring in the home workspace or in connection with their employment as soon as practically possible in accordance with Board policy.
(cf. 4157.1/4257.1/4357.1 - Work-Related Injuries)
(cf. 4157.2/4257.2/4357.2 - Ergonomics)
The district shall provide to employees who work remotely all supplies, materials, apparatus, and equipment reasonably necessary to perform their jobs, including, as necessary, a technology device and Internet access. Employees shall use caution in accessing the Internet from public locations and in accessing information from networks outside of the district in order to safeguard confidential information. Employees shall be responsible for maintaining and protecting equipment on loan from the district and shall adhere to the district's Acceptable Use Agreement. The employee's personally owned equipment may only be used for district business when approved by the Superintendent or designee.
(cf. 4040 - Employee Use of Technology)
(cf. 4156.3/4256.3/4356.3 - Employee Property Reimbursement)
Work done at a remote work location is considered official public business. District records and communications shall be retained and safeguarded against damage or loss, and shall be kept confidential or made accessible to the public in accordance with law.
(cf. 1340 - Access to District Records)
(cf. 3580 - District Records)
(cf. 4119.21/4219.21/4319.21 - Professional Standards)
(cf. 5125 - Student Records)
Any employee working remotely shall be available during work hours to the employee's supervisor and other staff, students, parents/guardians, and members of the public, as appropriate, via email, phone, or other means. Lack of responsiveness on the part of the employee may result in discipline and/or termination of remote work responsibilities. Employees shall be required to attend virtual or in-person meetings when directed by their supervisor.
(cf. 4118 - Dismissal/Suspension/Disciplinary Action)
(cf. 4218 - Dismissal/Suspension/Disciplinary Action)
Employee productivity shall be evaluated on the basis of time spent on tasks and projects, task completion, and quality of job performance in the same manner as all employees in the same position at the assigned school or office.
(cf. 4115 - Evaluation/Supervision)
(cf. 4215 - Evaluation/Supervision)
(cf. 4315 - Evaluation/Supervision)
Remote work arrangements may be discontinued at any time at the discretion of the Superintendent or designee.
Legal Reference:
GOVERNMENT CODE
6250-6270 California Public Records Act
12900-12996 Fair Employment and Housing Act
LABOR CODE
226.7 Mandated meal, rest, or recovery periods
6400 Safe and healthful employment and place of employment
6401 Unsafe workplace
UNITED STATES CODE, TITLE 42
12101-12213 Americans with Disabilities Act
Management Resources:
WEB SITES
California Department of Industrial Relations: http://www.dir.ca.gov
Policy WOODLAKE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
adopted: May 13, 2020 Woodlake, California