The October episode of Beyond the Bell focuses on Open Enrollment, a critical time of year when every contract employee must review and elect or waive their benefits for the upcoming plan year. Joined by Associate Director of Benefits, Berkley King, Patrick Flanagan explains the open enrollment process, the September 29–October 15 timeline, and why principals play such an important role in reminding their staff to complete this requirement. They highlight the $50 late fee for missed deadlines and the risk of coverage lapsing if employees do not act in time.

The episode also introduces the Benefit Fairs held at the Granite Education Center on October 2, 6, and 14, where employees can meet with vendors, receive flu shots, ask questions, and enter prize drawings. Principals are encouraged to share reminders in faculty meetings and newsletters, ensuring their staff know how to log in through Employee Navigator, what documentation may be required, and where to turn for support. The goal is clear: help employees avoid stress, stay covered, and take advantage of the resources available.

This month’s Beyond the Bell takes a deep dive into Progressive Discipline and Capacity Building, helping principals understand how to support employees while maintaining consistent standards. HR Director Patrick Flanagan and Associate Director Wyatt Bentley walk listeners through Granite’s step-by-step Corrective Action Framework—from informal coaching conversations to district-level interventions—emphasizing that the goal is improvement, not punishment. Along the way, they stress the importance of early intervention, documentation, and providing employees with clear expectations and the tools to succeed.

The episode also highlights practical strategies for capacity building, including mentoring, professional development, and clarity of expectations, as well as when to involve HR for guidance and due process support. Principals will come away with concrete takeaways: address concerns early, document thoroughly, stay consistent and fair, and lean on HR as a partner throughout the process. Whether dealing with performance issues or conduct concerns, this conversation equips school leaders to approach corrective action as a pathway to growth rather than a checklist of consequences.

The August episode of Beyond the Bell kicks off the new school year with timely HR updates every Granite principal should know. This episode covers key evaluation reminders, including how to verify employee lists and ensure accurate assignments in Frontline before the August 5th deadline. You'll also hear an important licensing update: CACTUS is retiring in October, and the new USIMS system will require earlier FTE audits and account setup for licensed staff. We also spotlight evaluation responsibilities for APPEL candidates and walk through what to expect during the USIMS transition.

Beyond licensing and evaluation, this episode offers a refresh on the newly renamed Granite Medical Leave Form (formerly the DFL), including when to request it and how to stay compliant with HIPAA. We review the step-by-step process for handling workplace injuries—from reporting and treatment to required documentation and follow-up with HR. Finally, we wrap up with a friendly reminder that lane changes aren’t just for teachers—principals can advance too. Tune in to make sure you’re not leaving professional growth—or compensation—on the table.