Ask HR Services: Vacancy Posting Requirements

Q: What are the requirements for posting job vacancies?

A: A district is required to post a vacancy for at least 10 school days prior to filling the position according to Texas Education Code (TEC) § 11.1513(d) if the position requires a certificate from the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) or a professional license.

Policy DC(LOCAL) will note any other district requirements for posting vacancies.

There are two exceptions to the 10-day posting requirement:

• Posting is not required for a position that affects the safety and security of students, as determined by the board.
• If a district can’t wait to fill a position held by a teacher during the school year, they don’t have to wait the full 10 days, but they must post the notice in the manner described above as soon as possible after the vacancy occurs. In this context, a “teacher” is defined by TEC § 21.201 as a superintendent, principal, supervisor, classroom teacher, counselor, or other full-time professional employee who is required to hold a certificate. In this situation, a district is exempted from providing current district employees a reasonable opportunity to apply for the position.

Best practice is to post vacancies at least internally to give employees an equal opportunity to apply for positions when the exceptions are not in play.

For more information on posting vacancies, see the following resources:

• HR and Policy: Vacancy Posting Requirements in the HRX
• Posting Vacancies in the HR Library (member login required)