5510 Retirement Programs
Policy No. 5510
Section:5000 - Personnel
RETIREMENT PROGRAMS
Staff shall become members of the Federal Income Contribution Act (Social Security System) and the Washington State Teachers' Retirement System or the Washington School Employees' Retirement System as required by law. The district shall make contributions to these retirement systems in behalf of staff according to law and shall make payroll deductions from staff wages and salaries for the staff contributions to these programs as required by law. No contributions will be made to an employee's retirement system for accrued vacation leave in excess of 30 days.
Location Pay
Compensation for time not actually worked which an employee receives for being required to remain at, or in the immediate vicinity of, a specific location or to report immediately to work should the need arise (even if the need does not arise) is known for retirement purposes as “location pay.” The legislature calls the situation “standby status.” An employee may earn retirement credit for location pay if the district establishes a specific policy which correctly defines location pay and describes the occasions on which the district will pay location pay. The definition of lo- cation pay does not apply if the employee is allowed to leave the specific location or property immediately adjacent to that location. Employees who are limited to a particular radius or must respond within a set time are not eligible for location pay nor are those who report to work only upon notification by pager or similar device. School bus drivers who, as a part of their bus route, are waiting to transport children receive general compensation for time actually worked.
In the event a staff member becomes disabled in the line of duty and is receiving Workmen's Compensation benefits, the district will continue to make retirement system contributions and shall collect employee contributions and pay such to the retirement system.
Legal References:
Chapter 41.32 RCW Teachers' Retirement
Chapter 41.35 RCW School Employees Retirement System RCW 41.50.150 Retirement benefits based on excess compensation — Employer liable for extra retirement costs
Adoption Date: 10/26/2009