This handbook is presented as a matter of information only and shall not be construed to form a contract between Darlington School (“Darlington”) and its employees. The policies, provisions, and guidelines contained in this Handbook may be changed, interpreted, modified, revoked, suspended, terminated or added to by Darlington in whole or in part, at any time, at Darlington’s sole discretion, and without prior notice to Darlington faculty, staff, and employees. Darlington’s benefits are defined in legal documents such as employee contracts, insurance contracts, official plan texts and/or trust agreements and the terms and provisions of such official legal documents shall control. All employee benefits, including group health and/or life insurance benefits may be changed, modified, or reduced at any time both as to coverage, the nature of benefits, and the percentage of each employee's contribution at the discretion of Darlington and its board. This Handbook does not create any contractual rights and is not intended to cover every situation. Instead, this Handbook is intended only to give on-site general direction and advice concerning personnel matters. While Darlington School believes wholeheartedly in the plans, policies, and procedures described, it is committed to reviewing them continually and reserves the right to change, to terminate, or to deviate from them at any time.
At Will Employment
Unless otherwise set forth in an express, written employment agreement between the Head of School and an employee, all employment relationships with the School are voluntarily entered into on an “at-will” basis, meaning that either the School or the employee may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without notice and for any reason or no reason. Nothing in this handbook or in any document or statement shall limit the right to terminate employment atwill. No division head, manager, supervisor, or employee of the school has any authority to enter into an agreement for employment for any specified period of time or to make an agreement for employment other than at-will. Only the Head of School has the authority to make any such agreement and then only in writing
Contract
The employment contract is the document evidencing the official legal agreement between Darlington and each employee with respect to the terms of employment. The employee’s acceptance of the contract represents the employee’s binding personal commitment to the school to render services for the designated academic year. The administration intends to fully support faculty and staff members under contract, and believes faculty and staff members should feel obligated to the school to complete the contract on the agreed-upon terms. Each employee should refer to the written employment contract for the specific terms of employment. Faculty members shall report to the school in the fall prior to the start of the academic year for orientation and preplanning, and remain available through the end of the school year. Staff members shall report to the school according to the terms of their specific contractual agreement.
Salary
Each employee’s written contract contains information concerning salary and other specific terms of employment. Salaries are determined on the basis of qualifications, including years of experience, degrees, evaluation of performances, and leadership roles. In addition, house/dorm resident faculty members receive free housing and meals. Other campus resident faculty members may receive free utilities, fixed rental rates, and free meals.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Darlington School provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Darlington School complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Darlington School expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Darlington School’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including termination of employment.
Anti-Discrimination
In addition to providing equal employment opportunities, Darlington School will strive to provide a professional environment and will not condone discrimination in any form. Anyone found to be engaging in any type of discrimination may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Any employee who believes they are being subjected to discrimination in any form should report such incident immediately to their supervisor or the Human Resources department. If the discrimination is being conducted by the employee’s supervisor, the employee should report such discrimination to the next highest supervisor.
Anti-Harassment
It is the right of all employees to work in an environment free from all forms of discrimination and conduct that can be considered harassing, coercive, or disruptive, including sexual harassment.
Sexual harassment is a form of misconduct that undermines the integrity of the employment relationship and as such, Darlington will not condone harassment. No employee, either male or female, should be subject to harassment in any form, including unsolicited and unwelcome sexual overtures or conduct, either verbal or physical. Such behavior may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
Additionally, any verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature directed toward a student which would tend to create an uncomfortable, unfriendly or offensive environment for the student will similarly be considered to be harassment and will not be tolerated.
Darlington School recognizes that employees of both sexes work together and communicate, and that its employees interact with students. Although there is no absolute definition of conduct which constitutes sexual harassment in every case, all employees must conduct themselves reasonably in accordance with the guidelines set forth above. Darlington School will not tolerate any conduct which fails to comply with the letter and spirit of these guidelines.
Any employee believing that he or she has been subjected to harassment should report any such incident to the Head of School’s Office, the Human Resources Office, or the employee’s immediate supervisor. Any person who is made aware of any alleged incident of harassment should report the matter immediately to the Office of the Head of School.
Reported incidents of harassment will be thoroughly and promptly investigated by School Administration with the cooperation of the complainant, and School Administration shall respect the confidences and sensitivities of all persons involved in the incident.
This policy has been established for the employees own benefit and to allow them the freedom of expressing their feelings and/or complaints. Retaliation of any kind against an employee making the allegation or against witnesses helping in the investigation will not be tolerated, and the results of any investigation of alleged harassment shall promptly be communicated to the complainant. Where charges of harassment are substantiated, appropriate corrective action will be taken. Appropriate action may range from counseling to immediate termination. To respect the privacy and confidentiality of all people involved, Darlington School shall take reasonable steps to keep such information confidential.
Formalized Complaint Procedures
Should you become concerned about your job, your working conditions, your pay, etc. the concern should first be discussed with your supervisor or department head. Your supervisor or department head will give prompt and courteous attention and make every effort to assist you with your problem. If your problem remains unsolved, you may discuss your concern with the senior administrator in charge of your area. You are encouraged to use this procedure at any time you are troubled or concerned. The Human Resources Office is also available for assistance.
Complaint Procedures:
All complaints will be taken seriously, and should be submitted in writing.
Should you have any questions or concerns pertaining to discrimination, harassment and/or Darlington School’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, please contact the Administration or the Human Resources Office.
