It’s that time of year to remind staff of the procedures for office closures due to inclement weather. The FAQs document provides a lot of information and specific examples for your reference. Please review the guidelines, and contact your supervisor if you have any questions.
In summary:
If all school(s) that an employee serves are closed, certified support staff are no longer limited to two (2) remote workdays per year due to winter weather. Beginning 2025-26, eligible staff may work remotely any time all of their assigned schools are closed due to inclement winter weather.
- No supervisor approval is required for remote work on qualifying days.
- While these days do not automatically count as the potential “virtual service” day that week, staff should ensure they are able to meet all the needed and expected face-to-face services in their districts prior to choosing to be virtual on another day.
- If any assigned school remains open, the employee is expected to report to that location. Staff calendars are generally expected to align with their district calendars to ensure adequate support, and there may be times when it is necessary to adjust their contract days in lieu of working virtually. Staff should use their professional judgment in making these decisions.
Guidelines for other staff (non-certified):
- Instructional employees (teachers, educational assistants) at River Hills, Detention Centers, and Shelter Programs should follow the schedule of their assigned resident district for late starts or early dismissals.
- Non-instructional employees who work less than 260 days should report to the nearest AEA office to finish their day if their assigned school closes early. If road conditions prevent this, they have options like using personal leave, making up the time, or working remotely if they have privileges.
- Full-year employees who work 260 days are required to work remotely if the office is closed or closes early, provided they have been approved for remote work. Hourly staff must clock in and out themselves.
All staff:
- If severe weather causes a delay, you may arrive up to one hour late without using leave time or making up the hours.
- Please inform your supervisor as soon as you know you’ll be late, so they know you’re safe and can adjust your schedule if needed.
For more details, see “A” under the General FAQs section.
Winter weather notifications
With winter weather almost here, be sure you are signed up to receive Central Rivers AEA weather alerts* via text, call or email regarding closings or professional learning cancellations. *If you are already signed up, you do not have to do anything.
Staff members that need to register can contact Phil Hendricks, for assistance with signing up.