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Certificated Employee Benefits

Group Health, Life, and Dental Insurance

Currently, the Board of Education pays up to 95% of the premium for medical and 90% of the premium for dental coverage selected by the employee. Employees may select from three health insurance programs: an HMO plan and two PPO plans. We also offer two dental plan options and one vision plan option. Employees enrolled in any HCPS medical plan are provided prescription coverage with their medical plan.
 
A voluntary Term Life plan is offered to all permanent benefit eligible employees. Employees may choose one times their salary, rounded to the nearest thousand, for Basic Life with Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance. Additionally, employees may choose one to six times their salary, rounded to the nearest thousand, for Supplemental Life insurance. Currently, the Board of Education pays 90% of the premium for Basic Life with AD&D insurance, and the employee is responsible for 100% of the premium for Supplemental Life insurance.

Tuition Reimbursement

Coursework eligible for partial tuition reimbursement must be applicable toward obtaining or renewing a professional certificate. Currently, HCPS will reimburse up to $300 per graduate credit and up to $75 per undergraduate credit. Provisional/conditional teachers will be reimbursed as qualified. A letter grade of “C” or better is required.

Retirement

Harford County Public Schools participates in the Maryland State Teachers/Employees Pension System. Membership is mandatory for all permanent employees working at least 500 budgeted hours per fiscal year. The pension system is contributory and employees are required to contribute 7% of their annual salary towards their membership.

Employee Assistance Program

HCPS provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to all employees which is administered by ACENTRA. Sometimes personal and family problems can have a direct impact on personal well being and work performance. Getting timely, professional help can result in a healthier, more productive individual. HCPS recognize the value in assisting employees to find the best possible help in a timely manner.

Criminal Background Investigation

The State and FBI costs for obtaining the Criminal Background Investigation required by the State of Maryland are paid by the Employee.

Professional Liability Insurance

All employees are covered persons under the Casualty Scope of Coverage and School Board Legal Liability Scope of Coverage while acting within the scope of their duties. This coverage provides a liability limit of $100,000 plus defense costs to employees.

Tenure

A teacher who holds a professional certificate may receive tenure after three (3) years of satisfactory experience. Teachers transferring from Maryland districts outside of HCPS should inquire about tenure portability.

Deferred Compensation plans

The Board of Education provides a selection of Traditional tax-deferred or Roth after-tax contribution (457B & 403B) plans for all employees through Lincoln Financial Group.

Family Bereavement

Teachers shall be granted seven (7) calendar days of leave for the death of a member of the teacher’s immediate family.

Personal Business

Teachers shall receive a total of three (3) work days per year with no loss to salary that may be used for personal business.

Transfer of Sick Leave

Teachers entering Harford County from another Maryland public school system, may transfer all unused sick leave which has been accumulated since September 1, 1966.

Teacher Support

In-school and countywide support is provided to all teachers and especially new staff members to assure success.

Inservice Workshops

State approved inservice workshops, appropriate for certification, are offered during the school year and summers.

Workers' Compensation

The Board of Education of Harford County provides workers' compensation insurance for all employees. Each employee is covered to the extent required by the Workers' Compensation Law of Maryland.