Employee Handbook and FAQ

The Maplewood Richmond Heights School District now features one handbook for all employees, rather than separate handbooks for certified and support staff. 

This handbook will help with questions and pave the way for a successful school year. Not all
district policies and procedures are included, and those that are included have been summarized.

This handbook is neither a contract nor a substitute for the official district policy manual. It is not intended to, and it does not, alter the at-will status of non-contract employees in any way. Rather, it is a guide to and a brief explanation of district policies and procedures related to employment. The policies stated in this handbook are reviewed and revised as needed by the Human Resources Office. They can change at any time and will be incorporated in the handbook on a continuing basis (when they become effective as approved by the Board of Education). These changes shall supersede any handbook provisions that are not compatible with the change. Although it is expected that this
handbook will align with the district policies and the approved Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), to the extent any discrepancy is identified, state law prevails. To the extent this handbook varies from any other District handbook created by a specific school, department, or other school district entity, this handbook and district policies are prevailing.

DOWNLOAD THE MRH EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK HERE

1. What is the purpose of the Staff Handbook? 

The Staff Handbook provides information and guidance to all MRH Schools employees. It is a resource to help answer questions and support a successful school year by summarizing key district policies and procedures related to employment. 

2. Is the handbook a contract? 

No. The handbook is not a contract and does not replace the official Maplewood Richmond Heights Board of Education policy manual. It also does not alter the at-will employment status of non-contract employees. 

3. Does the handbook include all district policies? Where can I find the full Maplewood Richmond Heights Board of Education Policies? 

No. Not all policies and procedures are included. Those that are included have been summarized for ease of use. For complete information, employees should review the official Board of Education policies. 

Maplewood Richmond Heights Board of Education Policies 

4. What happens if a policy changes after the handbook is published? 

District policies are reviewed and revised as needed by the Office of the Superintendent and Human Resources. Changes approved by the Board of Education become effective immediately and supersede any conflicting provisions in the handbook. Updates will be incorporated on a continuing basis. 

5. Which document takes precedence if there is a conflict? If there is a conflict:

• State law prevails over district policy and handbook provisions. 
• The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) takes precedence where applicable. 
• The district handbook and official Board policies take precedence over school- or department-specific handbooks. 

6. How long should the Vector course take? 

The Vector course for handbook acknowledgment should take approximately 10–15 minutes to complete. The smallest time interval that can be assigned to a custom course is 15 minutes. However, it is not anticipated that staff members will need the full 30 minutes to review the policy and acknowledge receipt of the handbook. 

7. What does signing off on the handbook mean? 

By signing off on the handbook, employees confirm: 

“I hereby acknowledge receipt of the Maplewood Richmond Heights Staff Handbook. I agree to read and abide by the standards, policies, and procedures defined or referenced in the Employee Handbook.” 

Signing off does not mean employees agree with every policy or waive any rights. It is simply an acknowledgment of receipt and awareness of district policies and procedures. 

8. Who should I contact if I have questions or need clarification? 

Employees should reach out to the Human Resources Office with questions, corrections, or suggested clarifications. You may also: 

• Review the associated Board policy codes or CBA sections, 
• Confer with your supervisor, or 
• Contact HR directly for assistance. 

9. Can employees suggest changes or corrections to the handbook? 

Yes. Employees are encouraged to submit corrections or suggestions for clarification in writing to the Office of Human Resources.

10. What about the “Who to Call for What?” list? 

The Communications Department is now producing a separate “Who to Call for What?” document. It will no longer be housed in the Handbook. Employees should refer to that document when they need contact information for specific services or departments.