Polk County Public Schools
The Employee Relations Department seeks to provide a harmonious and productive school and work environment that respects and protects the individual rights of employees, students and parents. The Department’s responsibilities include contract negotiations, mediation, grievance processing and issues regarding equity, discrimination, harassment, and professional and criminal misconduct.
The Department also assists in the resolution of work-related problems and plays a significant role in providing independent counseling referrals to employees working through personal, home or family issues. The Department is involved with advising employees on retirement and processing retirement documentation through the Florida Retirement System. Other responsibilities include unemployment claims and compensation, administering the sick leave bank, and processing leaves of absence (e.g., family medical, medical, military).
| Name: | Title: | Phone: |
|---|---|---|
| José Farinas, SPHR | Director, Employee Relations | 534-0731 |
| Patricia W. Hunter | Senior Coordinator, Equity and Compliance | 534-0513 |
| Manny Rodriguez | Analyst, Personnel Investigations (East Area) | 534-0517 |
| Chuck Smith | Analyst, Personnel Investigations (West Area) | 534-0735 |
| Stephanie Templeton | Analyst, Personnel Investigations (Central Area) | 519-3977 |
| Sharon Bowers | Analyst, Retirement | 534-0782 |
| Laura McCabe | Analyst, Negotiations and Retirement | 519-3978 |
| Cathy Higgins, PHR | Specialist, Employee Relations | 534-0786 |
| Tina Chumney | Personnel Assistant I | 534-0723 |
| Sherry Shamblin | Personnel Assistant I | 519-8431 |
| Cynthia Sprouse | Personnel Assistant I (Sick Leave Bank, LOAs) | 519-8037 |
| Joyce Sheppard | Clerk Specialist (Temporary Duty Leave Assignments) | 534-0689 |
Visit our Staff Directory to contact any staff member via e-mail.