Interview with Keith Gray

Interview with Keith Gray,Director of Human Resources

The purpose of this assignment will be to understand the leadership responsibilities and operations of a district Human Resource department. The title for the Human Resource administrator will likely vary in districts; however determine the administrator with the over-all responsibility for Human Resources in the district. Assignment includes:

Interview a school district Administrator of Human Resources.

Write a six (6)-page paper to synthesize and summarize the interview and your reflections.

Include a Title page and page header using APA format.

Use the following questions to guide your interview:

1.        What is name a school district’s Administrator of Human Resources, could you please back ground about your study and work? How long have you been working?  Director of Human Resources.  This was originally a school psychologist for approximately 9 years with the master degree in psychology then went back to get a Masters in industrial relations at the University of Iowa.  I have been in human resources since 1987. This

2.     What are the demographics of the district?

Student Demographics (NCLB Designators)

American Indian =  219  [2.1%]

Asian =  1,838  [17.6%]

Black =  1,860  [17.8%]

Hispanic =  1,020  [9.8%]

White =  5,493  [52.7%]

Total Student Population = 10,430 students

Free/Reduced Price Lunch

Non-FRP = 5,107 [49%]

FRP = 5,323 [51]

English Learners

Total population = 931 [8.9%] 

*More than 50 different home languages spoken across the district.

Special Education 

Total population = 1,720 [16.5%]

Gender

Males = 5,341 [51.2%]

Females = 5,089 [48.8%]

3.     What are the key responsibilities of Human Resources?

A staff of six oversees the human resources functions of 1,600 full- and part-time positions in the school district. The department's activities include:

·         Staffing/recruitment and selection Attract and retain quality employees of diverse backgrounds. Advertise, recruit, process, evaluate, hire, place, orient.

·         Organizational effectiveness/internal consulting Establish meaningful partnerships with our internal customers to improve the effectiveness of the organization through projects and initiatives.

·         Performance management Assure that performance is aligned with School Board goals and vision. Create a culture of frequent performance feedback and consistent performance expectations. Performance appraisals and corrective measures taken when necessary.

·         Benefits administration/management Procure insurance plans, enroll employees and administer claims, customer service issues and cost effectiveness. Manage the time-off system.

·         Compensation/classification/job evaluation Provide competitive wages that aid in recruitment, retention and positive organizational culture. Develop job specifications for all positions. Undertake ongoing job evaluation and reclassification process.

·         Employee/labor relations Grievance resolution, contract negotiations, and problem resolution for seven bargaining units.

·         Organizational health Wellness program, return-to-work program, workers' compensation, FMLA and ADA accommodations, safety issues.

·         Human Resources records management Establish and maintain all employee records.

·         Personnel transactions Record and track wage, step, and lane changes, as well as promotions, job transfers, hirings, terminations, payroll adjustments.

4.     What is the process for determine the personnel necessary to conduct the responsibilities of the   district?  Most positions in the district require a license or certification to fulfill the responsibilities of the job.

5.     What is the process for hiring personnel?

HR determines the qualifications, posts positions and o it's n some occasions screens applicants. Then principals or supervisors interview from that pool.

6.     What is the process for new personnel induction and orientation?  At the start of the school year, there are orientation sessions for most positions. During the school year, most orientation is conducted at the job site.

7.     How is ongoing staff development developed and implemented?

We have an active staff development team that constructs training that is identified by management and supervisors as well as employees as a need.

8.     What is the process for staff terminations?

If it's a termination for cause, there are several upfront meetings for the individual to present their side of the case and then a final determination on whether they are retained or terminated. Some people are terminated due to budget cuts.

9.     What is the role of the building principal with Human Resources?

Principals and HR work hand-in-hand on staffing and hiring as well as corrective actions based on poor performance.

10.  How do the Human Resources and the different district bargaining units work together? Human resources usually meets with bargaining units for negotiations and meet and confers related to issues that come up in the workplace, and during investigations related to their employee groups.

11.  What are the greatest joys of the district Human Resources administrator? Solving organizational problems that arise

12.  What are the greatest challenges the district Human Resources administrator has faced? Finding quality people to fit all the jobs. Letting folks go who have misbehaved.

Keith Gray

Director of Human Resources

District 622

651-748-7422

Check out the ISD 622 Well@Work Clinic located at the District Education Center!  Confidential, quick, convenient and $0 copay*!

 For more information visit www.isd622.org/clinic

*See above website for more details

Reflect on the district Human Resources administrator’s responses and summarize

your reflection using the following questions:

1_What have you learned that will impact your leadership development?

2_What surprised you about the leadership and management of Human Resources?

3_How has this interview influenced next steps for you in your development as

an educational leader?

Follow this Rubric: