Life School Staff,

The Life School Board of Directors has given the authorization to move forward with the approved pay raise plan for the 2023-2024 school year. This includes a $1,500 increase to both the Dallas and Ellis pay scales for teachers and 2% for all other staff. The updated pay scales may be found on the Life School website.

What Do You Think? (WDYT?) is our Life School comprehensive listening program that creates a culture of building trust, valuing people and continuous improvement. Through this program the district offers multiple methods for listening and building trust with employees. Currently, we are seeking applications for both the Superintendent and the Culture (D&I) Advisory Teams.

We are excited to share the Life School Board has approved to release a one-time (ESSER) retention bonus to be paid before Christmas Break. 

Details of the one-time retention bonus:

• Eligibility:
  • All employees who were hired by the first day of school, August 7, 2023, will receive $750 ($375 for part-time).
  • All employees who were hired between August 8, 2023, through October 5, 2023, will receive $500 ($250 for part-time).
  • All employees who were hired between October 6, 2023, through November 30, 2023, will receive $250 ($125 for part-time).
  • To be eligible, all employees must still be employed as of November 30, 2023.
• Distribution Date:
  • We plan to distribute the bonuses by December 7, 2023, as a separate direct deposit.

2023-2024 Raise Update: The Life School Board of Directors has approved a pay raise plan for the 2023-2024 school year pending state legislative action. While the specific details cannot be released, we want you to know that we are actively working to ensure we are prepared to provide increases as soon as the state takes action. Regardless of when the state finally approves school funding, Life School will ensure that the full raise will be paid to employees. 

Thank you once again for your dedication to our school. Your dedication and consistency build a foundation of trust with one another and the families we serve.  

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Payroll@lifeschools.net.

Dear Life School Staff,

We hope this communication finds you well. We wanted to inform you of an important change that will impact our employee benefits program. After careful consideration, taking into account increased premiums and valuable feedback from our employees, the Life School Board has approved to transition to Blue Cross Blue Shield as our new medical benefit provider, effective September 1, 2023. Medical benefits through the Texas Schools Health Benefit Program will end on August 31, 2023.

The decision to switch benefit providers was not taken lightly. We understand that employee benefits play a significant role in your overall job satisfaction and well-being. We have diligently reviewed various options to ensure that we provide the best possible benefits package while addressing the rising costs associated with healthcare coverage. Blue Cross Blue Shield emerged as the most suitable option, offering comprehensive coverage, an extensive network of healthcare providers, and competitive rates.

Key Benefits of Blue Cross Blue Shield:

• Enhanced Coverage: Blue Cross Blue Shield offers a wide range of healthcare services, ensuring that you and your eligible dependents receive the care you need.
• Network: With Blue Cross Blue Shield, you will have access to an extensive network of healthcare providers, ensuring that you can choose the best doctors and specialists for your healthcare needs.
• Online Tools and Resources: Blue Cross Blue Shield provides user-friendly online tools and resources that will enable you to easily manage your benefits, locate in-network providers, and access valuable health-related information.

Over the next few weeks, our dedicated benefits team will work closely with Blue Cross Blue Shield to ensure a seamless transition. They will provide you with detailed information regarding enrollment, plan options, and any necessary steps you need to take.

We understand that change can sometimes be accompanied by questions and concerns. We encourage you to reach out to our Benefits team, who will be available to answer any questions you may have and provide the necessary guidance throughout this transition.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this transition. We firmly believe that this change will positively impact our employees and ensure the continued provision of excellent healthcare benefits. We value your commitment to Life School and look forward to supporting your health and wellness needs with Blue Cross Blue Shield.