Leadership Matters - March 2013

Unemployment compensation becomes budget issue for schools

As districts are contemplating cutting certified and non-certified staff, superintendents need to keep in mind that all of the salaries involved will not be saved the next year or even the next 18 months. In these lean times for educational jobs, it is likely that a great many of your employees that are reduced will apply for Unemployment Compensation.

Dr. Bill Phillips IASA Field

Services Director

Keep Unemployment Compensation will cost the employer the entire amount of unemployment compensation granted for a period of up to 18 months after job separation. Current rates of reimbursement range from 50 percent to 74 percent of previous salaries. Therefore, for at least 18 months there will be additional costs for these reduced employees. There are two categories of Unemployment Compensation: one being a direct reimbursement of dollar-for -dollar amounts for employees separated, the other being an averaging process in which you pay the same amount regardless of how many employees are separated. One other issue to remember is that most districts employee a professional firm to monitor their unemployment claims for any that claims that might not qualify for reimbursement. These firms will inform you of claims, claim applicants and amounts required for payment. They will also represent you in case there are any disputed unemployment claims. The costs are nominal for the professional assistance these firms provide for your school district. in mind that

ISDLAF+ February 2013 Monthly Update

Click here to view the February 2013 ISDLAF+ rates, economic indicators and general economic news brief. To obtain additional information regarding this IASA sponsored service, contact Emmert Dannenberg, statewide marketing director/ ISDLAF+ at 815.592.6948. To check daily rates, visit the ISDLAF+ website at www.isdlafplus.com .

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