News

Increased Social Engineering Attempts Targeting HCPSS Staff

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.

Important Changes to the HCPSS 403(b) Benefit

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.  

Attachments
403b communication (51.14 KB)

Notification of Retirement and Resignation Incentive

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.).
 

Get to Know Dr. Richard (RJ) Jeffries, HCPSS Executive Director of Special Education

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.

background photo of a generic classroom. over that photo is a white box with text stating, Get to Know Dr. Richard (RJ) Jeffries. Also in the box is a headshot photo of Dr. Jeffries

Dr. Jeffries recently was named the HCPSS executive director of Special Education. He previously served as the Special Education administrator for the Edmonds School District in Washington state.

Why did you choose to work in education?
I believe in the transformative power of learning and teaching.

What is the best professional advice you've ever received?
Do not rush into making decisions.

What is on your bucket list?
The Old Course [golf course] at St Andrews, Scotland.

What is the most interesting place you’ve ever been?
Cuba

Review and Update Your Contact Information in Workday

Workday is the official employee system of record for all HCPSS staff. All employees should ensure both their personal and professional contact information is up to date by logging in to Workday and making any necessary edits.

Keeping your personal contact information current ensures that when employees retire or leave the system, they can still review pay stubs, W-2 forms, etc., by using their personal email address.

Central Offices staff please take note that the public CO Staff Directory automatically pulls its information from Workday so it's crucial to have your work contact information correct there.

Directions on viewing and/or modifying contact information can be found in the Workday Canvas Community.

 

Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program

Howard County Council Bill 14-2023 established the Student Loan Assistance Program for HCPSS teachers. The program provides $225,000 per year for five years to help eligible certificated HCPSS staff repay their student loans.

To be eligible for funding through the Student Loan Assistance Program, an HCPSS employee must meet the following the criteria: 

  • Be a current, full-time, permanent HCPSS employee
  • Be a member of the Howard County Education Association (HCEA) certificated bargaining unit.  
  • Have received a graduate, professional, or undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university
  • Have been employed with the HCPSS full-time for 5 school years
  • Possesses one of the following certifications:
    • Professional Eligibility Certificate (PEC)
    • Standard Professional Certificate I (SPC I)
    • Standard Professional Certificate II (SPC II)
    • Advanced Professional Certificate (APC)
  • Not currently in default on any of their student loans
  • Have incurred at least $20K in student loan debt for any education loan used for undergraduate or graduate study obtained for tuition, educational expenses, or living expenses.
  • Have a remaining balance of $5K or more on their student loan

Applications for the Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program will be accepted between February 3 and March 31, 2025. The application will be posted on the Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program website.

The amount of money awarded to each applicant will be determined by the Howard County government. Applicants will receive an email no later than May 31, 2025, outlining the amount of their award. 

More information about the Student Loan Assistance Repayment Program is available in these FAQs and on the HCPSS website.

Should you require assistance, please email TeachersLoanAssistance@hcpss.org with your inquiry.

Get to Know Dr. Joy B. Smith, Director of Elementary Schools

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.

headshot of Dr. Joy Smith, Director of Elementary Schools, Howard County Public School System

Why did you choose to work in education?  
To help students reach their full potential.

What is your role within HCPSS?
[One of two Directors who] supervise and support elementary schools.

What is the best professional advice you've ever received?
Treat others how you want to be treated.

What is something you like a lot that would surprise people?
Taking long walks with my goldendoodle Bentley.

What is on your bucket list?
A European vacation.

What is the most interesting place you’ve ever been?
Turks & Caicos

New Application System is Live!

Reminder! HCPSS recently transitioned its application system from Frontline to Workday Recruiting. Current HCPSS employees, including temporary employees, should visit the Jobs Hub in Workday. Answers to frequently asked questions about employment with HCPSS can be found here.

HCPSS hiring managers should join the Human Resources course in Canvas to access information and training resources for Workday Recruiting. 

External applicants may view and apply for current openings via the HCPSS external career site