ARTICLE 30: DEPARTMENT CHAIRPERSONS AT THE TWO HIGH SCHOOLS
30.1 Effective September 1, 1986, there shall be a minimum of six (6) Department Chairpersons at each of the two comprehensive High Schools. The determination of which department will receive a Department chairperson each year is within the sole discretion of the Superintendent or designee after input from the teachers at each of the two High Schools. Small departments may be grouped to form a unit which will receive a Department Chairperson.
30.1.1 Department Chairpersons shall be appointed each year by the principal after department members have had an opportunity for input. The principal may remove any Department Chairperson at any time with thirty (30) days prior written notice stating any deficiency in performance and allowing the department chairperson an opportunity to correct any deficiency.
30.1.2 The District shall adopt a Job Description for Department Chairperson which shall include the following responsibilities:
30.1.2.1 Instructional Assistance To Teachers
a. Assist teachers in the department with instruction-related needs in cooperation with the principal or designee. The Department Chairperson shall not evaluate teachers.
b. Encourage members of the department to assist one another through forums on subject areas within the department, sharing teaching strategies and ideas and facilitating peer-assistance relationships among members of the department.
c. Disseminate information related to professional growth, such as interview opportunities and conferences.
30.1.2.2 Curriculum
a. Communicate department needs in the areas of curriculum and related materials to and from the site administration after input from department members.
b. Assume responsibility for determining textbook needs after input from department members.
c. Establish a department resource center, including a catalog and inventory of materials available.
d. Serve as a member of curriculum committees related to the department’s area of instruction.
e. Serve as a member of District textbook selection committees.
30.1.2.3 Implementation
a. Assume responsibility for ordering, inventory, and delivery of supplies needed by members of the department.
b. Provide information and assistance to determine department audio-visual needs as well as to order, schedule and distribute County films allotted to the department.
c. Provide information for and assist in ordering textbooks.
d. Provide information related to class scheduling needs to and from site administrators after input from department members.
e. Provide information related to department budget needs to and from site administrators after input from department members.
f. Provide information related to department classroom and equipment needs to and from site administrators after input from department members.
g. Provide information and assist in preparation of field trip plans and scheduling of speakers related to department needs.
h. Perform other department leadership duties as assigned by the principal or designee.
30.1.2.4 Communication
a. Conduct department meetings as necessary to facilitate communication between department members and administrators. At the beginning of each year establish a calendar of quarterly department meetings. Other meetings will be scheduled on an as needed basis by either the principal or department chairperson.
b. Communicate department needs in the area of materials and supplies to and from site administrators after input from department members.
c. Serve as a school representative to community organizations as a school liaison to the community.
d. Disseminate information about professional responsibilities and opportunities to department members.
e. Function as department representative in meetings with the school administration and/or District administration when requested by department members or administrators with concurrence from the principal.
30.1.3 Each Department Chairperson shall be required to perform assigned extra responsibilities and attend meetings as required of other unit members. The specific responsibilities of each Department Chairperson shall be determined by the principal after input and consultation with the Department Chairperson.
30.1.4 Department Chairpersons will be paid according to Exhibit F.
