WHAT ARE THE PRINCIPLES OF THE MERIT SYSTEM?
• Selection and promotion based on merit and fitness, as determined by competitive examinations. • Retention on the basis of demonstrated performance. • Classification of positions on the basis of the duties and responsibilities actually performed. • Compensation pursuant to the like pay for like work principle. • Appeals from administrative action before a neutral third party. WHO ADMINISTERS IT? The PERSONNEL COMMISSION is the mainstay of the merit system. It is an independent body composed of three persons appointed for three-year staggered terms. Commissioners are lay persons who must be known adherents of the merit principle. The personnel commission is responsible for maintaining a merit system for classified employees of the school system and for fostering the advancement of a career service for such employees. To execute these responsibilities the California Education Code provides that personnel commissioners shall classify positions, hear appeals, and prescribe functions as p
