6680 - EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION PLAN

The School District of Jefferson values the many contributions of all employees and is committed to annually recognizing the dedication of staff. The goal of this plan is to create a culture of appreciation, honor District employees for their years of service, and keep employees engaged and passionate about their work supporting the academic excellence for our students. 

1. YEARS OF SERVICE AWARDS
   
   Annually, at the Back-to-School (all-staff) meeting held in August, the District will recognize staff who have achieved the various levels of service as indicated below. Employees at all level milestones will receive a recognition certificate along with a gift from the district. Examples of gifts are indicated below. Priority will be given to student or local vendor/business made gifts whenever possible.
   
   To be eligible for longevity awards and gifts, employees must attain years of service as outlined in the District Experience Table considering any breaks in service. The cut-off hire date for eligibility is September 5^th each year. If the district employs an individual after they have retired from the district, years of service accrual will continue with any break in service period subtracted.

*Employees who have served the District for twenty-five (25) years will have their name added to the “Golden Eagle” Honor Roll plaque located in the auditorium lobby at Jefferson High School.

2. STAFF RETIREMENT RECOGNITION AWARDS
   
   Annually, at the second Board meeting in June, the District will recognize individuals who have retired during the past school year. To be eligible for recognition at retirement, an employee must have a minimum of ten (10) years of service in the District, intend to retire from employment, and have not previously retired from the District.
   
   A reception will be hosted by the District, prior to the Board meeting at which retirees will be recognized. Any individual who has retired during the past school year will be invited and District retirees will receive:
    
   1. A lifetime pass which admits two (2) individuals to all School District of Jefferson events.
   2. A gift inscribed with the staff member’s name and years of service.
   3. A certificate from the State Superintendent of Public Instruction will be presented on behalf of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
   4. If, upon retirement, the retiree’s local employment years fall at one of the award levels (Level I – VII), the retiree will also receive their longevity award.

Retirees without a minimum of ten (10) years of service or who have previously retired from the District will be invited to the reception and will receive a certificate and acknowledgment at the Board meeting.

3. BOARD MEMBER RETIREMENT RECOGNITION AWARDS
   
   Annually, at the first Board meeting in April, the District will recognize individuals who are retiring from Board service. Board of Education members must have a minimum of six (6) years (two terms) of Board service, with no intention of seeking re-election.
   
   At this meeting, qualifying Board retirees will receive:  
    
   1. A gift inscribed with the School Board member’s name and years of service.
   2. A certificate on behalf of the Wisconsin Association of School Boards.
   3. If the retiring Board member held the position of Board President they will also receive a customized gavel.

Retirees with only one (1) term of service will receive a certificate and acknowledgment at the Board meeting.

4. OTHER RECOGNITION
    
   1. Outstanding/Unusual Achievement Examples:
      
      Midwest Teacher of the Year, Regional Board of Education Member of the Year Award: Certificate to be awarded at a meeting of the Board of Education.
   2. Other Achievements or Contributions
      
      Recognize through letters of congratulations, newspaper coverage, social media, District newsletter, etc., at the time of achievement or contribution.
   3. Death During Employment or Board Service
      
      A plaque of remembrance will be ordered by the appropriate school building principal and will be hung in the school where the employee worked or, in the case of a Board member, in the District Office.
   4. Highlight National Education Week and other educational events such as Teacher Appreciation Week
      
      All staff shall be involved in activities associated with these events (including support staff, bus drivers, crossing guards, School Board, health staff, etc.).

The Superintendent will "follow his/her instincts" in developing employee recognition categories and events (e.g. Commitment to Excellence Award Program).

© School District of Jefferson