News

The Office of Human Resources will host optional virtual information sessions via Google Meet to discuss the voluntary transfer process and answer questions. The sessions are scheduled for:

• Thursday, February 27, 4:30pm-5:30pm
• Wednesday, March 26, 3:00pm-4:00pm
• Monday, April 7, 4:30pm-5:30pm

To sign up to attend an information session, click here (HCPSS login required): Voluntary Transfer Info Session. Please note, the Google Meet code can be found in the registration form, available only to HCPSS staff.

As a reminder, the following employee groups may now submit voluntary transfer requests for the 2025-2026 school year. Requests must be made in writing, using the established online system (Workday), and must be submitted by April 23, 2025:

• Audiologists, behavior specialists, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, psychologists, school social workers, cluster nurses, teachers, reading specialists, school counselors, paraeducators, health assistants, security assistants, security officers, and student assistants. 

Instructions on how to access the voluntary transfer request forms can be found here. The forms are accessed through Workday.

Complete the form that identifies your desired position. There are four (4) different forms, and the positions identified in the four (4) forms include:

• Teachers
• Audiologists, Behavior Specialists, Speech Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Psychologists, School Social Workers and Cluster Nurses
• Paraeducators, Health Assistants, Security Assistants, Security Officers and Student Assistants
• School Counselors and Reading Specialists 

Voluntary Transfer Request forms will be accepted through April 23, 2025.

Please Note: 

• Submissions will only be accepted via the established online system (Workday).
• You will have the option to submit a copy of your resume and/or cover letter by providing a link to a Google Doc.
• Your request does not constitute a change in your current assignment as all assignment changes are based on the needs of the school system.
• The placements of employees listed above in #2 will continue to be made by program supervisors.

The following employee groups may apply for a voluntary transfer anytime during the school year when an appropriate position is available. Employees will use the Jobs Hub worklet in Workday to apply for an open position.

• Secretarial, clerical, floating nurse, food and nutrition service assistants, central office technical personnel and liaisons.

Questions may be sent to the Office of Human Resources’ Position Control and Staffing Team via email at staffing@hcpss.org.

All HCPSS employees planning to retire under the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System within the next two to five years are invited to attend an upcoming virtual information session. Attendees will receive information about retiree healthcare and life insurance eligibility and coverage.  A step-by-step action plan for completing the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (MSRPS) process related to the retiree pension benefit will be reviewed. 

Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 
Time: 4:30-6:00p.m. 
Location: https://www.employeewellnesshub.com/hcpss 

Agenda:

• MSRPS Retirement Process and Forms
• Overview of Retiree Health and Life Insurance Benefits
• Q & A 

Registration is required for this virtual event.  Please visit: https://www.employeewellnesshub.com/hcpss and click on the tile that reads “Register for the retirement seminar here” in order to register. 

Please download the attached documents in preparation for the Pre-Retirement Seminar. 

Can’t attend on February 18 th ? Our next session will be held on March 6 th and will be open for registration the last week of February. Questions?  Please email benefits@hcpss.org or call 410-313-7333.

The HCPSS Get To Know series was created to help staff learn more about system leaders in schools and offices with whom they may not typically interact. HCPSS leaders answer a mix of personal and professional questions in an effort to let all employees get to know them better. Please use this form to nominate an HCPSS leader to be featured in the series.

Why did you choose to work in education?
I grew up with a deep desire to help others, and my parents instilled in me the belief that education is the one thing that can never be lost or taken away. Education was the key that helped my family break the cycle of poverty, and I wanted to help others achieve their goals and build a better future for themselves and their families.

Although my degree was in Business Management, I quickly realized that a corporate career wasn’t fulfilling. After working as a sales consultant for a short time, I sought something more meaningful and pursued an alternative certification to become a bilingual education teacher. I spent eight years teaching kindergarten, first, and second grade, deeply committed to helping my students succeed.

Later, I returned to school to complete an MBA, intending to transition back into the corporate world. However, my job search led me back to the school district—first as a translator and interpreter, and then as the head of the Language Access Office. This role brought me full circle, allowing me to blend my education, teaching experience, immigrant background, and language skills to serve others in a meaningful way.

Working in education has given me the privilege to support students, families, and educators in ways I never imagined, and I am grateful for a career that aligns with my passion for helping others.

What is your role in HCPSS?
I ensure that the district provides meaningful language access to multilingual families by overseeing translation and interpretation services, helping to bridge communication between schools and the diverse communities we serve.

What is the best professional advice you've ever received?
The principal at the school where I taught throughout my career constantly reminded us that while we couldn't change our students' life situations, we could positively impact their lives during the time they were with us. This perspective has shaped my approach to my work, encouraging me to focus on what I can influence rather than becoming discouraged by challenges beyond my control. It has taught me to dedicate my energy to making a meaningful difference, knowing that even the smallest efforts can create a lasting impact.

What is something you like a lot that would surprise people?
Something that might surprise people is that I am mildly obsessed with collecting houseplants—a hobby I picked up after moving to Maryland. My home has slowly turned into a mini jungle, and I love the challenge of keeping my plants thriving.

I also love group exercise classes and, for almost five years, I taught a 5:30 a.m. spin class twice a week. Waking up that early wasn’t always easy, but the energy and sense of community made it worth it!

What is on your bucket list?
I want to see the world—as many countries as possible! Traveling allows me to experience different cultures, foods, and perspectives, and I can’t get enough of it. So far, I’ve been to about 14 countries, and I can’t wait to add more to the list!

What is the most interesting place you’ve ever been?
I highly recommend Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! The food was absolutely delicious, the people were incredibly kind, and since English is widely spoken, it’s a great destination for anyone looking to experience Asian culture without a language barrier. From stunning architecture to vibrant markets, there’s so much to explore—I’d go back in a heartbeat!

The Bright Minds Foundation is pleased to offer classroom grants for HCPSS teachers and school-based staff interested in delivering educational projects focused on improving student achievement, engagement, and well-being during the 2025-2026 school year. Classroom grants will fund innovative instructional projects that serve to support student success, enrich teaching practices, strengthen school communities, and pilot important classroom projects. 

All school-based staff are eligible to apply for up to $2,000 in grant funds. Proposals should offer a new and/or creative approach to an identified student, classroom, or school need that will support student achievement, engagement, and wellbeing goals. Access additional information about this grant opportunity here, including the application packet and a list of required steps to complete the application process by the deadline of Monday, March 31 at 11:59 p.m.

All staff should be aware of an increase in social engineering attempts targeting HCPSS employees in recent weeks. Malicious individuals are impersonating HCPSS staff and attempting to deceive employees into resetting passwords or divulging sensitive information. These attackers have also contacted Human Resources, attempting to solicit personal employee details to exploit staff credentials.

 ! Call to Action: To protect yourself and our organization, please remain extra vigilant and follow these critical security precautions:

• Verify Identity: If you receive unsolicited requests for password resets, login credentials, or sensitive staff information, do not comply without independently verifying the request through official HCPSS channels.
• Be Cautious with Information Requests: If you receive a request for employee information, confirm its legitimacy directly with the requesting department before providing any details.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you receive a suspicious email or phone call requesting sensitive information, report it immediately.
• Never Share Passwords: IT staff will never ask you for your password under any circumstances.

Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and your vigilance is critical in thwarting these attacks.

Employees are encouraged to forward any suspected phishing emails to abuse@hcpss.org, and then delete the email. If you have any questions or need assistance, contact the Technology Support at TechSupport@hcpss.org or 410-313-7004.

For the past two years the HCPSS Benefits Team, with the support and advisement of our Benefits Consultant, Gallagher, and the Benefits Advisory Committee (BAC), has completed a deep-dive analysis of our current 403(b) program.  This analysis included a review of our 403(b) vendors, their associated fees, the services they offer our employees, and overall compliance with IRS regulations. 

As a result of this review, HCPSS has made some changes to the HCPSS 403(b) program with the goal of reducing costs for employees and providing more oversight of the fund investments to ensure that HCPSS employee and retiree contributions are responsibly invested.

See attached for complete details.

Email Benefits@hcpss.org with any questions.  

Please see the attached document for information on understanding your W-2.

Reminder that W-2 forms are available in Workday.

Per Article 15.E. of the HCPSS/HCEA Master Agreement, "Any unit member who retires or resigns effective July 1 of any year and who files the necessary documents committing to such intent no later than March 1 of that year will receive termination pay matching the greater of the following two options:

1. $500 or
2. Pay equal to two percent (2%) of accumulated unused sick leave as of the date of retirement or resignation, up to a maximum of $1200.”

As such, certificated instructional staff (teachers, counselors, etc.) should complete the Intent to Retire form by March 1 in order to receive the additional pay listed above upon their retirement or resignation.

The HCPSS Intent to Retire form can be found on the Staff Hub > Services > Employee Resources > Retirement and requires Active Directory login.

Please note! This notification bonus is for certificated staff only and does not apply to non-certificated staff (paraeducators, secretaries, student assistants, custodians, etc.), or supervisory staff (principals, assistant principals, directors, coordinators, etc.).
 

The following employee groups may now submit voluntary transfer requests for the 2025-2026 school year. Requests must be made in writing, using the established online system (Workday), and must be submitted by April 23, 2025:

• Audiologists, behavior specialists, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, psychologists, school social workers, cluster nurses, teachers, reading specialists, school counselors, paraeducators, health assistants, security assistants, security officers, and student assistants.

Instructions on how to access the voluntary transfer request forms can be found here. The forms are accessed through Workday. 

Complete the form that identifies your desired position. There are four (4) different forms, and the positions identified in the four (4) forms include:

1. Teachers
2. Audiologists, Behavior Specialists, Speech Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Psychologists, School Social Workers and Cluster Nurses
3. Paraeducators, Health Assistants, Security Assistants, Security Officers and Student Assistants
4. School Counselors and Reading Specialists

Voluntary Transfer Request forms will be accepted through April 23, 2025. 

The Office of Human Resources will host optional virtual information sessions via Google Meet to discuss the voluntary transfer process and answer questions. The sessions are scheduled for:

• February 27, 4:30pm-5:30pm
• March 26, 3:00pm-4:00pm
• April 7, 4:30pm-5:30pm 

Details regarding how to register will be forthcoming.

Please Note:  

• Submissions will only be accepted via the established online system (Workday).       
• You will have the option to submit a copy of your resume and/or cover letter by providing a link to a Google Doc.
• Your request does not constitute a change in your current assignment as all assignment changes are based on the needs of the school system. 
• The placements of employees listed above in #2 will continue to be made by program supervisors. 

The following employee groups may apply for a voluntary transfer anytime during the school year when an appropriate position is available. Employees will use the Jobs Hub worklet in Workday to apply for an open position.

• Secretarial, clerical, floating nurse, food and nutrition service assistants, central office technical personnel and liaisons. 

Questions may be sent to the Office of Human Resources’ Position Control and Staffing Team via email at staffing@hcpss.org. 

Considering applying for an HCPSS school administrator position for the 2025-2026 school year? The HCPSS offices of Human Resources and Leadership Development are offering optional seminars to support individuals considering applying for Principal, Assistant Principal or Athletics & Activities Manager positions.

Application Seminar, Monday, Jan. 27, 5-6:30 p.m.
River Hill High School Media Center, 12101 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville
This seminar for internal candidates will cover the interview process, including how to prepare, tips and practice.

Interview Preparation Seminar, Tuesday, Feb. 11, 5-7:30 p.m.
Department of Education Board Room, 10910 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City
This seminar is both for internal and external candidates, and will cover the interview process, including how to prepare, tips and practice.

To register: 

1. From the Staff Hub homepage, select the Frontline button. 
2. Once logged in, select Professional Growth. 
3. From the left navigation panel, select Activity Catalog > District Catalog. 
4. In the Search Term(s) field, type Leadership Development and click the blue Search button. 
5. Click on the blue title of the Aspiring Admin Seminar you wish to attend. 
6. Select the Sign Up Now button. 

Registration questions may be emailed to carol_feeser@hcpss.org.