File:  GCKA - Instructional Staff Assignments and Transfers

Assignments may be changed whenever the best interests of the District will be served.  Teachers desiring a new experience as an opportunity for professional growth may make application for a reassignment or transfer.

Transfers shall mean only those changes involving moves from one building (school location) to another.  Reassignment is a move to a different position within the building(s) where the employee currently holds an assignment.  The rationale for reassignment shall be given to the teacher when such a reassignment is initiated by the building principal.

Reassignment possibilities shall be made available to the building staff.  Those expressing interest must do so not less than one week following the posting of the vacancy announcement.  Teachers who desire reassignment within a building must submit a written request to their principal.  All teachers within a building shall be eligible to request reassignment.  Requests shall be considered prior to and receive preference over transfer requests or new hires.  Requests for reassignment within a building shall not be denied unreasonably.  A teacher denied reassignment shall, upon his/her request, be given written reasons for such denial.  The reasons must be specific and in accordance with Board policy and building guidelines.

Each building principal and staff shall establish guidelines for criteria governing reassignments, transfers or new hires within their own building.  Building guidelines shall be established and reviewed no less than annually.  If more than one teacher has requested transfer or reassignment to a vacant position, experience, qualifications, seniority, building needs and meritorious service in the District shall be recognized and be the determining factors in filling such vacancies.

Transfer requests will be considered prior to and receive preference over new hires.  Transfer possibilities shall be made available to the District staff.  Those expressing interest must do so not less than one week following the posting of the vacancy announcement.  Teachers may initiate transfer requests for the following school year.  Vacancies occurring during a school year shall be filled on a temporary basis so as to cause the least disruption to existing assignments.  All such vacancies shall be open first to reassignments and then to transfer requests.  Due dates for submitting requests shall be posted.  Those expressing interest in reassignment or transfer must do so one week following the posting of the vacancy announcement and then one week for expressing interest in a transfer.  Reassignment and transfer requests shall be for the following school year.

Teachers who wish to transfer shall file a written transfer request with the superintendent or his/her designee.  The request shall be forwarded to the appropriate principal.  The transfer request must be on file before a transfer shall be considered.  Only non-probationary teachers shall be considered for transfer.  For the purpose of this policy, a teacher shall be eligible for transfer for the upcoming year upon Board approval of his/her non-probationary status.

The superintendent or his/her designee shall review all transfer requests and may invite applying teachers who qualify for the position(s) to interview with the receiving principal and/or his/her staff.  The teacher shall be notified of the disposition of the request within one week of the interview or selection of the teacher.

Any teacher who has applied for and been denied a transfer shall, upon request by the teacher, be given written reasons for such denial.  Reasons must be specific and in accordance with Board policy and building guidelines.

In the case of District-requested transfers, the teacher involved shall be informed of the requested transfer in a conference.  Reasons for the transfer and indication of assignment, as nearly as possible, to the grade level or content area shall be given.

Teachers shall be involuntarily transferred or reassigned for just cause as specified by Board policy.  Involuntary transfers shall not be used by any administrator for punitive or disciplinary action.  Involuntary transfers shall be decided upon by the Board upon the superintendent's recommendation.

The assignment of certificated staff members and their transfer to positions in the various schools and departments of the District shall be recommended by the superintendent and approved by the Board of Education.

Reasonable attempts shall be made by all parties involved to resolve conflicts.  One such attempt shall be under the guidelines set forth by evaluation policies and procedures.  If, in the opinion of the administrator, personnel conflicts which endanger effective operation (whether manager/employee or employee/employee) continue, the matter shall be resolved to guarantee the continuing best operation of the District.  This shall be accomplished by a suitable solution which may involve reassignment, transfer, resignation or termination of one or both parties.

When referring to working conditions, salary or benefits, the negotiated contract, which is currently in effect will prevail.  If an approved contract is not in place, these attached policies, regulations and exhibits will take its place.

Adopted February 12, 1985

Revised June 11, 1991

Revised August 22, 1995

Revised: January 8, 2003

LEGAL REFS.:  C.R.S. 22-32-126 (3)

C.R.S. 22-63-206

CROSS REF.:  GCOA, Evaluation of Instructional Staff,

Current Professional Contract