Licensed employees who wish to be released from an executed contract must give at least twenty-one days notice to the superintendent. Licensed employees may be released at the discretion of the board. Only in unusual and extreme circumstances will the board release a licensed employee from a contract. The board will have sole discretion to determine what constitutes unusual and extreme circumstances.
Release from a contract will be contingent upon finding a suitable replacement. Licensed employees requesting release from a contract after it has been signed and before it expires may be required to pay the board the cost of advertising incurred to locate and hire a suitable replacement. Upon written mutual agreement between the employee and the superintendent, the costs may be deducted from the employee’s salary. Payment of these costs is a condition for release from the contract at the discretion of the board. Failure of the licensed employee to pay these expenses may result in a cause of action being filed in small claims court.
The superintendent is required to file a complaint with the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners against a licensed employee who leaves without proper release from the board.
In the event a certified employee (i.e., teacher or administrator) submits a written resignation by November 30, to be effective at the end of the current school year, that employee shall be eligible to receive a $1,250 severance bonus. A certified employee who submits a written resignation by January 15, to be effective at the end of the current school year, shall be eligible to receive a $750 severance bonus. By acceptance of the severance bonus, the employee waives any rights to seek unemployment or other employment claims against the district. The payment of the severance bonus shall occur within thirty (30) days following board approval of the resignation. Once the resignation is approved by the Board, all the employee’s rights will be terminated on the employee’s last contract day of the current school year. Once approved, the employee’s resignation may not be rescinded. This provision may not be applied in conjunction with any other employment separation agreement.
Approved: August 23, 2021
Reviewed: February 14, 2022
Revised: March 14, 2022
