Staffing and Probationary Contracts

As districts consider contract administration and staffing needs for the upcoming school year, they may look to probationary contract employees and employees hired for a partial year when considering a reduction of staff.

These employees are usually considered first because the process for requirements for termination of these employees is not as involved as the procedures for nonrenewal of term contract employees. It’s important to note that to terminate a probationary contract employee at the end of the school year, the board must determine that termination of the employee is in the best interest of the district. Additionally, the board must provide the employee written notice of the board's decision to terminate the contract 10 calendar days before the last day of instruction.

HR Services has several resources available to help guide contract administration processes. The list below can be used by those new to the process and by those experienced but with specific questions.

HRX articles:

• Identifying Probationary Contract Year Limits
• The Top-10 Most Common Questions for Educator Contracts
• Contract Entitlement and School District Teaching Permits
• Calculating Penalty-Free Resignation
• The Difference between Contract Nonrenewal and Termination

HR Library Resources (member login required):

• Contracts and Assignments:
  • Employment Contracts
  • Determining Contract Entitlement
  • Model Letter of Intent to Hire
  • About TASB Model Contracts
• Termination:
  • Termination of Contract Employees
  • Contract Termination Notices
  • Resignations