Human Resources FAQ
Below are the answers to common questions received by Ames CSD Human Resources. If you have a question that isn’t answered here, please contact us at 515-268-6610.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will I know if my application has been received?
All applications must be submitted electronically. A confirmation screen will display once your application has been successfully submitted.
Check your email and SPAM folder for email communication from mailbot@applitrack.com regarding your application status.
Contact the HR Office at 515-268-6610 or acsd_hr@ames.k12.ia.us if you need computer access to apply with ACSD.
I’ve submitted my application, what happens next?
Your application will be reviewed by building administrators, and they will reach out after reviewing references if they are interested in scheduling an interview.
All positions are hired by the building administrator, with the exception of substitutes. Human Resources is not involved in the interview or hiring process.
How long will my application be active?
Applications will be active for one year.
What is the pay for Ames certified staff?
View the following chart for fiscal year 2024-2025 salary schedule for teachers.
What is the Employee Self Service (ESS) and how do I log in?
Access to the ESS is granted after your first paycheck is deposited and includes your personal contact information, payroll information and payment history, W-2 history, contracts/work agreements, leave balances, benefit information, AEA training history, and more. You may make changes to your tax withholdings and update contact information on the ESS.
Login to ESS through the Login page. Your username and password can be found on the “Payroll and ESS Information” document on Frontline Central > My Forms > Forms I Can Start. Contact Payroll 515-268-6642, for help logging into the ESS.
Where do I find my payroll and tax information?
Payroll and tax information can be found on the ESS > My Information.
How do I change my banking information?
Complete the Direct Deposit form on Frontline Central > My Forms > Forms I Can Start.
How do I change my tax information?
Complete a new W-4 on the ESS > My Information > Payroll Information.
How do I change my personal contact information?
Log into ESS > My Information > Personal Information.
How do I change my emergency contact information?
Log into Frontline Central > My Staff Profile > Emergency tab.
When/how do I get paid?
Pay is deposited directly into your bank account. Support staff, coaches, and administrators are paid on the last business day of the month. Teachers are paid on the last working day prior to the 21st of the month.
Questions regarding pay should be directed to payroll at 515-268-6642.
What do I do if I have jury duty?
Enter leave in Absence Management as “Jury Duty” and notify your supervisor. Staff are permitted to serve in jury service without loss of pay; however, payment received for jury service shall be reported to the Business Office minus travel reimbursement.
Staff who are notified by 10:30 am they will not be required to be available for jury service the remainder of the day shall return to work.
How do I update my records if my legal name has changed?
Contact the Human Resources Office to schedule an appointment to bring in your updated Social Security Card.
How do I check my leave balance?
Log into Frontline Absence Management > Account > Absence Reason Balances tab.
Log into ESS > Forms & Requests > Leave Balances/Usage (updated monthly).
Where can I access my contract or work agreement?
Log into ESS > Links & Documents > Personnel Documents.
Contact Mary Sailor, mary.sailor@ames.k12.ia.us or 515-268-6613, for contracts/work agreements issued prior to the 2020-21 school year.
What is the procedure when school is canceled, has a late start, or is dismissed early?
Employees should follow the Work Attendance and School Cancellation guidance document in the event of a school cancellation.
How do certified staff request reclassification (lane change)?
Complete the Reclassification Request form on Frontline Central > My Forms > Forms I Can Start. See Master Contract for more information regarding deadlines and requirements. Official transcripts will have to be provided.
How do I submit my BoEE license for my personnel files?
Submit an electronic copy on Frontline Central > My Forms > License Upload. An electronic copy or hard copy can also be sent to Mary Sailor at mary.sailor@ames.k12.ia.us.
How do I request use of the certified staff sick leave bank?
Certified staff who voluntarily opted to participate in the Sick Leave Bank can complete the “Certified Staff Sick Leave Bank Request” form on Frontline Central > My Forms > Forms I Can Start.
What is FMLA and when should I apply?
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) entitles eligible employees to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specific family and medical reasons with continuation of group health insurance coverage under the same terms and conditions as if the employee had not taken leave. Eligible employees need to have been employed with Ames CSD for 12 months and worked a minimum of 1,250 hours in that period.
Eligible employees should apply for FMLA as soon as possible for intermittent or continuous absences from work of 3 days or longer due to medical procedures or a serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the essential functions of their job; birth, adoption, or placement of a foster child; care of a child, spouse, or parent with a serious health condition; or qualifying exigency or care of an active child, spouse, or parent servicemember.
How do I apply for FMLA leave?
Complete the “FMLA Request Form” on Frontline Central > My Forms > Forms I Can Start.
When do benefits begin for a new employee?
Certified staff, secretaries, and twelve-month employees scheduled to work 30 or more hours per week are eligible for benefits on the first of the month following hire.
Educational assistants, study hall monitors, campus monitors, and health associates scheduled to work 30 or more hours per week are eligible for benefits on the first of the month following 30 days of hire.
How do I make changes on my medical, dental, or vision plan to add or remove enrollees?
Complete the Additions to Coverage or Removal of Coverage section on the “Benefit Change Request” form on Frontline Central > My Forms > Forms I Can Start.
Changes may be made to health, dental, and/or vision coverage within 30 days of a qualifying life event such as the birth of a child, marriage, etc. If a qualifying life event has not occurred, changes may only be made during the open enrollment period.
Questions may be directed to Benefits Specialist, Stacy Duhn at stacy.duhn@ames.k12.ia.us or 515-268-6643.
How do I change beneficiaries of my life insurance?
Changes of life insurance beneficiaries may be made at any time. Complete the Life Insurance Change of Beneficiary section on the “Benefit Change Request” form on Frontline Central > My Forms > Forms I Can Start.
How do I change my IPERS beneficiaries or make other changes to my IPERS?
Changes to IPERS must be made directly with IPERS at 800-622-3849.
How do I file a life insurance or long-term disability claim?
Contact Benefits Specialist Stacy Duhn at stacy.duhn@ames.k12.ia.us or 515-268-6643. Claims can be filed directly to Madison National Life Insurance Company and helpful information is provided.
How do I get a new insurance card?
Medical–call Wellmark at 800-622-0005; Dental–call Delta Dental at 800-544-0718; Vision–call Delta Vision at 800-544-0718; or email Stacy Duhn at stacy.duhn@ames.k12.ia.us and include your current address in the email.
Flex Spending Account or Health Savings Account–call isolved Benefit Services at 800-300-9691 or 515-224-9400.
Where can I find annual required notices and the Summaries of Benefits and Coverage (SBC)?
Annual required notices and the SBC are available on ESS > Links & Documents or Frontline Central > My Forms > Forms I Can Start.
Where can I find information about the Employee Assistance Program?
How do I become a substitute?
Substitute teachers need a valid substitute license or substitute authorization with the Iowa BoEE.
Substitute nurses need a valid RN license.
Submit an application on the district’s substitute job vacancy page. You will need at least three references.
Contact Sharday Grove for more information at sharday.grove@ames.k12.ia.us or 515-268-6610.
Why don’t I see any available substitute jobs?
Attempt to log-out and back into your account to troubleshoot. If you still have no assignments available, Absence Management may be deactivated.
Contact Sharday Grove for more information at sharday.grove@ames.k12.ia.us or 515-268-6610.
Where are the schools located?
- District Office: 2005 24th St
- AHS: 1801 Ridgewood Ave
- AMS: 3915 Mortensen Rd
- Edwards: 820 Miller Ave
- Fellows: 1235 20th St
- Meeker: 300 20th St
- Mitchell: 3521 Jewel Dr
- Sawyer: 4316 Ontario St
- Northwood: 3012 Duff Ave
- Facilities: 1216 S Bell Ave
How can I volunteer with Ames CSD?
Please inquire directly with the school where you are interested in volunteering.
How will I know if my application has been received?
All applications must be submitted electronically. A confirmation screen will display once your application has been successfully submitted.
Check your email and SPAM folder for email communication from mailbot@applitrack.com regarding your application status.
Contact the HR Office at 515-268-6610 or acsd_hr@ames.k12.ia.us if you need computer access to apply with ACSD.
I’ve submitted my application, what happens next?
Your application will be reviewed by building administrators, and they will reach out after reviewing references if they are interested in scheduling an interview.
All positions are hired by the building administrator, with the exception of substitutes. Human Resources is not involved in the interview or hiring process.
How long will my application be active?
Applications will be active for one year.
What is the pay for Ames certified staff?
View the following chart for fiscal year 2024-2025 salary schedule for teachers.
What is the Employee Self Service (ESS) and how do I log in?
Access to the ESS is granted after your first paycheck is deposited and includes your personal contact information, payroll information and payment history, W-2 history, contracts/work agreements, leave balances, benefit information, AEA training history, and more. You may make changes to your tax withholdings and update contact information on the ESS.
Login to ESS through the Login page. Your username and password can be found on the “Payroll and ESS Information” document on Frontline Central > My Forms > Forms I Can Start. Contact Payroll 515-268-6642, for help logging into the ESS.
Where do I find my payroll and tax information?
Payroll and tax information can be found on the ESS > My Information.
How do I change my banking information?
Complete the Direct Deposit form on Frontline Central > My Forms > Forms I Can Start.
How do I change my tax information?
Complete a new W-4 on the ESS > My Information > Payroll Information.
How do I change my personal contact information?
Log into ESS > My Information > Personal Information.
How do I change my emergency contact information?
Log into Frontline Central > My Staff Profile > Emergency tab.
When/how do I get paid?
Pay is deposited directly into your bank account. Support staff, coaches, and administrators are paid on the last business day of the month. Teachers are paid on the last working day prior to the 21st of the month.
Questions regarding pay should be directed to payroll at 515-268-6642.
What do I do if I have jury duty?
Enter leave in Absence Management as “Jury Duty” and notify your supervisor. Staff are permitted to serve in jury service without loss of pay; however, payment received for jury service shall be reported to the Business Office minus travel reimbursement.
Staff who are notified by 10:30 am they will not be required to be available for jury service the remainder of the day shall return to work.
How do I update my records if my legal name has changed?
Contact the Human Resources Office to schedule an appointment to bring in your updated Social Security Card.
How do I check my leave balance?
Log into Frontline Absence Management > Account > Absence Reason Balances tab.
Log into ESS > Forms & Requests > Leave Balances/Usage (updated monthly).
Where can I access my contract or work agreement?
Log into ESS > Links & Documents > Personnel Documents.
Contact Mary Sailor, mary.sailor@ames.k12.ia.us or 515-268-6613, for contracts/work agreements issued prior to the 2020-21 school year.
What is the procedure when school is canceled, has a late start, or is dismissed early?
Employees should follow the Work Attendance and School Cancellation guidance document in the event of a school cancellation.
How do certified staff request reclassification (lane change)?
Complete the Reclassification Request form on Frontline Central > My Forms > Forms I Can Start. See Master Contract for more information regarding deadlines and requirements. Official transcripts will have to be provided.
How do I submit my BoEE license for my personnel files?
Submit an electronic copy on Frontline Central > My Forms > License Upload. An electronic copy or hard copy can also be sent to Mary Sailor at mary.sailor@ames.k12.ia.us.
How do I request use of the certified staff sick leave bank?
Certified staff who voluntarily opted to participate in the Sick Leave Bank can complete the “Certified Staff Sick Leave Bank Request” form on Frontline Central > My Forms > Forms I Can Start.
What is FMLA and when should I apply?
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) entitles eligible employees to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specific family and medical reasons with continuation of group health insurance coverage under the same terms and conditions as if the employee had not taken leave. Eligible employees need to have been employed with Ames CSD for 12 months and worked a minimum of 1,250 hours in that period.
Eligible employees should apply for FMLA as soon as possible for intermittent or continuous absences from work of 3 days or longer due to medical procedures or a serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the essential functions of their job; birth, adoption, or placement of a foster child; care of a child, spouse, or parent with a serious health condition; or qualifying exigency or care of an active child, spouse, or parent servicemember.
How do I apply for FMLA leave?
Complete the “FMLA Request Form” on Frontline Central > My Forms > Forms I Can Start.
When do benefits begin for a new employee?
How do I make changes on my medical, dental, or vision plan to add or remove enrollees?
Complete the Additions to Coverage or Removal of Coverage section on the “Benefit Change Request” form on Frontline Central > My Forms > Forms I Can Start.
Changes may be made to health, dental, and/or vision coverage within 30 days of a qualifying life event such as the birth of a child, marriage, etc. If a qualifying life event has not occurred, changes may only be made during the open enrollment period.
Questions may be directed to Benefits Specialist, Stacy Duhn at stacy.duhn@ames.k12.ia.us or 515-268-6643.
How do I change beneficiaries of my life insurance?
Changes of life insurance beneficiaries may be made at any time. Complete the Life Insurance Change of Beneficiary section on the “Benefit Change Request” form on Frontline Central > My Forms > Forms I Can Start.
How do I change my IPERS beneficiaries or make other changes to my IPERS?
Changes to IPERS must be made directly with IPERS at 800-622-3849.
How do I file a life insurance or long-term disability claim?
Contact Benefits Specialist Stacy Duhn at stacy.duhn@ames.k12.ia.us or 515-268-6643. Claims can be filed directly to Madison National Life Insurance Company and helpful information is provided.
How do I get a new insurance card?
Medical–call Wellmark at 800-622-0005; Dental–call Delta Dental at 800-544-0718; Vision–call Delta Vision at 800-544-0718; or email Stacy Duhn at stacy.duhn@ames.k12.ia.us and include your current address in the email.
Flex Spending Account or Health Savings Account–call isolved Benefit Services at 800-300-9691 or 515-224-9400.
Where can I find annual required notices and the Summaries of Benefits and Coverage (SBC)?
Annual required notices and the SBC are available on ESS > Links & Documents or Frontline Central > My Forms > Forms I Can Start.
Where can I find information about the Employee Assistance Program?
How do I become a substitute?
Substitute teachers need a valid substitute license or substitute authorization with the Iowa BoEE.
Substitute nurses need a valid RN license.
Submit an application on the district’s substitute job vacancy page. You will need at least three references.
Contact Sharday Grove for more information at sharday.grove@ames.k12.ia.us or 515-268-6610.
Why don’t I see any available substitute jobs?
Attempt to log-out and back into your account to troubleshoot. If you still have no assignments available, Absence Management may be deactivated.
Contact Sharday Grove for more information at sharday.grove@ames.k12.ia.us or 515-268-6610.
Where are the schools located?
- District Office: 2005 24th St
- AHS: 1801 Ridgewood Ave
- AMS: 3915 Mortensen Rd
- Edwards: 820 Miller Ave
- Fellows: 1235 20th St
- Meeker: 300 20th St
- Mitchell: 3521 Jewel Dr
- Sawyer: 4316 Ontario St
- Northwood: 3012 Duff Ave
- Facilities: 1216 S Bell Ave
How can I volunteer with Ames CSD?
Please inquire directly with the school where you are interested in volunteering.
Additional Contacts:
Verification of Employment and Payroll/Compensation Questions
Fax: 515-268-6634
Verification of Previous Teaching Experience
Mary Lyn Sailor
Human Resource Information Specialist
District Office
-
515-268-6613
Benefits
