By SUSAN RUMBLE

Special to The Press

In a midyear report to the board, Parkland School District Assistant Superintendent Dr. Rod Troutman reported Human Resources Department staff continue to work collaboratively with many offices to address the variety and volume of staff questions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said HR representatives have been supplying answers to questions regarding practices, processes and laws during the pandemic.

Troutman said COVID-19 created many new situations for employees who had to be absent for personal or family matters requiring Workers’ Compensation and the Family and Medical Leave Act.

These issues resulted in a collaboration between HR and the business office.

“Once again COVID-19 and the many unique leave situations created the need for constant communication between HR and the business office, especially payroll and benefits,” Troutman said. “The teams have worked amazingly well to serve the needs of our employees.”

On another topic, Troutman said the district is preparing a professional development plan encompassing all staff members across the district, focused on equitable and inclusive practices.

On the subject of equity, Troutman said all students have resources, including digital content, personal learning devices and adequate Wi-Fi within reach at home.

“According to our data, all Parkland families have access to the devices and Internet band width they need to participate in hybrid and online learning in kindergarten through grade 12,” Troutman said.

Turning to an academic topic, the assistant superintendent said the district is working on a kindergarten through grade 12 curriculum that includes contemporary issues in history and ensures multiple cultural perspectives are embedded throughout all course content and all grades.