Dear certificated SFUSD employees,

We are excited to announce a significant update in our timekeeping practices that will boost time entry efficiency and reduce errors in pay. Effective June 21, 2023, certificated employees like you will have contractual work hours pre-populated for the days you are scheduled to work. You will see this in your current timesheet when you log in to EMPowerSF Time & Attendance.

The shift to an exception-based pay system marks an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to improve our EMPowerSF processes and better align with best practices in other school districts.

What is exception-based timekeeping?

In a positive-pay system, which we have had since the launch of EMPowerSF, employees are required to record both work and absence hours accurately to ensure they are paid correctly. An exception-based pay system takes the opposite approach: scheduled hours will be assumed as worked unless an exception is made, i.e. an absence, time off, or additional work hours beyond the schedule are entered in the timesheet.

What will change for you?

• If you are present and working on a day that you are scheduled to work, you will no longer have to select the paycode of Work and type 7.00 hours (for a 1.0 FTE) in the timesheet for your school-term certificated assignment(s).
• If you work less than 1.0 FTE, your schedule in Time & Attendance will need to be accurate for the 2023-24 school year. Additional guidance was sent to you and your manager/supervisor.

What will NOT change?

• You still have to submit time off for any absence or use of the 18 Continuing Education/PD hours.
• You still need to get approval for extended hours beyond scheduled contractual hours.
• You still need to submit the timesheet for approval by the end of the pay period.
• If you teach summer school, you will still have to select the paycode of Work and enter 7.00 hours (for a 1.0 FTE).
• For any missed days prior to 6/21/23, your time will need to be entered as Work and 7.00 hours (for a 1.0 FTE).

Transition Support

Over the coming weeks, we are working diligently to ensure a smooth transition to exception-based pay. Comprehensive guidance and a virtual training resource will be available to you through the sfusd.edu/empowersf website, the online support center at eis.sfusd.edu, and the Time & Attendance Guide. Live sessions and ongoing support will be provided to managers, administrators, and delegated timekeepers to address any questions or concerns.

While no action is needed right now, we encourage you to review the updated guidance and FAQs and familiarize yourself with how the timesheet looks with work hours pre-populated. We are confident that this transition will drive efficiency and flexibility within our organization, ultimately benefiting our entire community.

If you have any questions or need further information, please visit eis.sfusd.edu or contact the Call Center at 415-463-1550 starting June 22. Thank you for your continued dedication and commitment to the students and families of San Francisco.

Sincerely,
San Francisco Unified School District