The Office of Employee Relations ensures the equitable administration of three negotiated employee union contracts and applicable federal, state, and SDHC policies, procedures, laws and regulations. OER facilitates internal equity of positions, position classification, position regrading, and salary determination. OER develops and assigns annual employee work calendars.

The OER facilitates the appeal and formal grievance processes and manages compliance issues related to FMLA, ADA, Veterans’ Preference and Title IX, including reports of bullying, harassment, and discrimination.

The General Manager of Employee Relations serves as the:

• Chief Negotiator
• Title IX Coordinator
• Formal Grievance Hearing Master
• Equity Coordinator
• Human Resources division liaison with the School Board attorney in matters relating to OCR and EEOC complaints, employee lawsuits and other legal matters relating to employees.

The Office of Employee Relations fosters positive relationships between the school system, students, parents, and employees. When an alleged violation cannot be resolved by the parties involved, an employee or parent may contact the OER for direction on reaching resolve through the formal grievance process.