Understanding Teacher Clearance Requirements at the End of the School Year
As the school year ends, there has been some confusion among public school teachers regarding the need for clearance from financial and property responsibilities. This article aims to clarify what is required based on the Department of Education’s policies.
What Does the Current Policy Say?
The Department of Education has not set a specific rule requiring all public school teachers to get clearance for government money and property at the end of every school year. This only becomes necessary in certain situations:
- Retirement or Resignation: Teachers who are retiring or resigning from their positions need to clear any cash or property accountabilities.
- Transfer or Promotion: If a teacher is transferring to another school or a different government office, or if they are being promoted, clearance is also required.
These requirements are outlined in DepEd Order No. 17, s. 2005, and DepEd Order No. 23, s. 1993.
Special Case for Classroom Teachers
For classroom teachers, there is a specific situation regarding school textbooks. If students lose or fail to return borrowed books, the teachers must follow the procedures in DepEd Order No. 25, s. 2003, titled “Resolving Losses of Textbooks”. This order provides steps for teachers to apply for relief from accountability for these losses. Teachers are required to coordinate closely with their school heads and the school property custodian to resolve these issues.
Summer Vacation Clarification
It’s important to note that public school teachers are usually on vacation during the summer. The Regional Office has directed that teachers who do not fall into the categories of retirement, resignation, transfer, or promotion are not required to obtain clearance during this time.
Final Reports and Responsibilities
While the clearance for financial and property accountabilities might not be required for all, teachers are still responsible for completing and submitting all necessary reports, especially those concerning the final grades of their students. School heads have the authority to list all reports and documents that teachers need to complete. Failure to submit these required reports and documents may lead to disciplinary actions or reminders being issued to the teachers concerned.
Conclusion
In conclusion, most public school teachers are exempt from securing end-of-year clearance unless they are retiring, resigning, being transferred, or promoted. However, all teachers must ensure that they fulfill their responsibilities regarding the submission of student reports and other necessary documents. This helps maintain order and accountability within the educational system.
