Policing personnel files

NEA Today, May 1999

If you're new to _ der why the Association made so much fuss over a simple disciplinary letter in Jim Siemer's personnel file.

"Under the progressive discipline process in our Association contracts, that letter could have served as the basis for termination in the future," points out Siemer's UniServ director, Marcus Albrecht.

"We always advise members to check their files for information that isn't true or for material they aren't aware of," Albrecht adds. "In our region, we use an inventory sheet that enables members to go in with an Association building rep to initial what's in their personnel file."

In some Illinois contracts, members even have the right to receive a copy of any personal informatiOn entered in their file. Moreover, a state law allows school employees to remove an inaccurate letter or-if the district refuses-to attach a written response.

For advice on personnel files in your state, contact your UniServ office.