| Welcome to the Alief ISD HR Newsletter,
Your go-to source for important updates, insights, and resources related to our district’s human resources information. Each edition is designed to keep you informed about new policies, upcoming events, professional development opportunities, and other key information that impacts our staff and schools. Whether you’re looking for updates on benefits, tips for enhancing your workplace experience, or information on district-wide initiatives, our newsletter has you covered. Stay engaged and informed with the latest HR news and resources tailored specifically for our district’s needs.
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Connect with us here: https://www.aliefisd.net/o/aisd/page/hr-contact-us |
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March 2, 2026
Volume 2: Issue 8 |
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| Welcome Message
Important Dates - The Young Women's Leadership School
- Spring Staff C.A.R.E Survey
- Alief Smug Mug
- Pickleball Social
- HR FAQs
- Free Test Prep Webinars
- Associate Teacher Spotlight
Dept. Spotlight: Strategic Staffing - Substitute of the Month
March Movement TIA Updates and FAQs
Teacher Appraisal Process 101 Teacher Incentive Allotment ESL Certification Reminders -
Employee Referral Program
Employee Verification Process Employee Support Links
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Alief Family, Spring is the season of renewal, reminding us that growth is both possible and amazing to see! As we welcome March, we embrace this spirit of renewal across Alief ISD. Spring brings fresh energy, new beginnings, and opportunities to reflect on how far we’ve come. Our campuses are full of momentum, our students are working hard toward their goals, and our staff continues to show the dedication, care, and resilience that define our Alief family.
In Human Resources, this season is especially meaningful. March is a key time as we prepare for the coming school year—supporting staffing needs, onboarding new team members, and celebrating the incredible people who make our district strong. Whether you are leading instruction, serving students, supporting campus and departmental operations, or mentoring colleagues, your contributions make a lasting impact.
Thank you for all you do and as the semester grows busier, we also want to encourage each of you to take time to care for yourselves. A healthy, balanced team keeps Alief ISD thriving. Warm Regards,
The HR Team |
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| March 2026 ~National Nutrition Month~ ~Women's History Month~
1- National Peanut Butter Lover's Day 1-7 School Social Worker Week 1-7 Educational Diagnostician Week 2 - Read Across America Day 2- Texas Independence Day
2-6 National School Social Worker Week 2-6 National School Breakfast Week 3- National Anthem Day 4- National Grammar Day 4- Pickleball Social Event @ Hastings 5-7pm
5- National Reel Film Day 6- National Oreo Cookie Day 6- Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day 7 - National Flapjack Day 8- International Women's Day 8- Daylight Saving Starts 10- National Pack Your Lunch Day 11- National Dream Day 12- National Girl Scout Day 14- Pi Day 17 - St. Patrick's Day 17- National Social Worker Day
21- Special Education Transition Fair 25 - Crossing Guard Appreciation Day
28 - Inaugural Alief ISD Education Foundation Pickleball Tournament Looking Ahead!
April 25- International Parade & Taste of Alief |
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Check out the Alief SmugMug! |
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Explore the Alief ISD SmugMug photo gallery and relive unforgettable moments from school events, celebrations, and achievements. Browse through vibrant snapshots capturing the spirit, talent, and dedication of our students and staff. Check out the gallery here!
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Q:How do I apply for an internal positions in the district?
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A: All vacancies are posted at: https://www.aliefisd.net/o/aisd/page/career-opportunities Employees wanting to review internal postings will need to have an account in School Spring/Applicant Tracking
📘Click on SchoolSpring - Getting Started
for details on applying. Learn the following: 1. Instructions on how to set up a School Spring/Applicant Tracking
2. Instructions on how to ensure your School Spring/Applicant Tracking account is marked as “Internal” is linked here
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Q: What is the process to transfer to another campus or department?
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| A:There is no longer a transfer request process.
All internal staff should apply directly to any posted positions of interest through applicant tracking (internal applicant status). The last day to transfer is June 12, 2026. |
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CREATE AN ACCOUNT FOR FREE! https://houston.teach.org/ |
| TEACH for Houston is excited to invite educators to live, interactive test prep webinars! These FREE sessions are designed to help you feel confident and prepared for exams.
Upcoming Webinars:
(186) Special Ed Webinar – Thursday, 3/12/2026 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | [Register Here]
(190) BTLPT Webinar – Thursday, 3/19/2026 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | [Register Here]
Don’t miss this opportunity to get personalized guidance, ask questions, and build confidence before your exam. Register today to secure a spot! . |
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Click on the image above to see the AT Spotlights |
Associate Teacher Celebrations |
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We proudly celebrated our incredible ATs who have successfully earned their teacher certifications at Hastings, Budewig, Owens, Heflin, and Boone. This milestone honors their dedication, resilience, and commitment to serving our students and campuses. Congratulations to each newly certified educator. Your hard work continues to strengthen our schools and inspire our Alief community! |
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Department Spotlight: Strategic Staffing Team |
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This month, we proudly recognize the Strategic Staffing Team—a dedicated group whose work helps shape the future of Alief ISD! This Team continues to lead innovative efforts to strengthen our educator workforce through initiatives that both support current teachers and grow future ones.
One of the team’s major areas of leadership is the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA). Through TIA, the Strategic Staffing Team helps reward and retain our highest‑performing teachers by supporting campuses in identifying, recognizing, and compensating teacher excellence. Their work ensures that outstanding teachers receive the acknowledgment they deserve, while also encouraging a culture of growth, impact, and instructional quality across the district.
Equally impactful is the district’s Teacher Apprenticeship Program (TAP)—a powerful pathway developed to cultivate the next generation of Alief educators. TAP provides aspiring teachers with hands‑on classroom experience, high‑quality coaching, and a supported route to certification. Through this program, Alief ISD is building a strong and sustainable teacher pipeline by preparing skilled, committed educators who understand our students, our community, and our mission.
From staffing campuses to supporting talent development, the Strategic Staffing Team is essential in advancing Alief’s vision for excellence. Their efforts ensure that today’s classrooms are well‑staffed and that tomorrow’s teachers are already being nurtured and prepared. |
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| Kimberly Toney
Director of Strategic Staffing, 18 years in Alief
For the past 18 years, Kimberly has been a dedicated member of Alief ISD, building a distinguished career rooted in service, leadership, and a commitment to students. She began her journey as an Assistant Principal at Smith Elementary, where she served for six years, followed by a year as Assistant Principal at Youens Elementary. She then spent ten impactful years as the Principal of Holmquist Elementary before transitioning into her current role as the Director of Strategic Staffing, a position she has held for the past six months.
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What she values most about Alief ISD is its strong family atmosphere and the district’s unwavering dedication to doing what is right for students. She takes great pride in contributing to a community that consistently provides students with enriching opportunities they may not experience elsewhere—an essential part of what makes Alief truly exceptional.
One of Kimberly's most significant recent accomplishments—and a milestone for the district—was securing an extraordinary $350,000 grant from the Houston Endowment. This substantial funding represents a major investment in Alief ISD’s future and will play a transformative role in reducing the number of uncertified teachers across the district. The grant provides scholarships and incentives to help teachers earn certification efficiently, while also eliminating financial barriers tied to certification programs and required exams. This achievement not only reflects her leadership and strategic vision but also marks an important step forward in strengthening the district’s educator pipeline.
Additionally, she was selected to attend the prestigious BranchEd Spring Summit Conference in Atlanta, Georgia—a fully funded opportunity sponsored by BranchEd. At the summit, she will collaborate with national leaders on innovative staffing models, examine emerging education trends with a focus on teacher certification, and highlight the groundbreaking work currently underway in Alief ISD. |
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| Mary Jo Camacho
Talent Development Manager, 16 years in Alief
Mary Jo is a proud Alief ISD graduate whose career began in the district, serving as a school bus driver, paraprofessional, teacher, and ESL specialist. After gaining leadership experience as an assistant principal and HR manager in another district, she returned to Alief in 2024 as the Talent Development Manager.
She now leads the Teacher Apprenticeship Program, work that is especially meaningful given her own pathway into education. A major highlight of the program is the significant grant funding that made it possible. |
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Through her efforts, Alief ISD was able to secure a $75,000 Houston Endowment grant to launch the initiative, along with $46,500 in additional funding to support program costs. As a Registered Apprenticeship Program, the district also receives Texas Workforce Commission funds that help cover apprentice wages and tuition, reducing financial barriers and strengthening the pipeline. Apprentices also benefit from seven months of on‑ramp training led by Success Coach Karen Smith.
Mary Jo's leadership has been recognized at the state and national level. She will present Alief ISD’s apprenticeship model at the 2026 Teacher Apprenticeship Summit hosted by edwell. Mary Jo is honored to represent Alief ISD and proud to showcase how major grant investments and strong partnerships are helping the district grow future educators. |
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| Stefan San Miguel
TIA Program Manager, 9 years in Alief
Stefan San Miguel brings exceptional talent and dedication to the Strategic Staffing team! As a TIA‑designated Exemplary Teacher himself he is a champion for Alief teachers. In his current role as TIA Program Manager, he serves as a steadfast advocate for teachers across the district. His outstanding leadership was recently recognized with the Superintendent’s MVP Award in February.
As the district’s TIA Lead, Stefan oversees two major committees—the TIA Teacher Ambassador Committee and the District TIA Leadership Committee. In these roles, he ensures teachers are informed, supported, and empowered throughout the TIA process as well as guiding district leaders and key stakeholders in reviewing TIA data, processes, and decisions. |
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Stefan has also represented Alief ISD on statewide platforms. He was a featured presenter at the TIA Strive Conference in June 2025, sharing best practices with educators across Texas. In fall 2025, he served as a panelist for the state's TIA webinar, where he highlighted and showcased Alief’s innovative approaches and the district’s strong commitment to teacher excellence
Through the Teacher Incentive Allotment—which measures teacher performance and effectiveness tied to student growth—Stefan estimates that Alief’s newly designated teachers will receive a combined total of approximately $8 million in allotments.
Stefan deeply values Alief ISD’s genuine diversity and rich cultural pride. He appreciates that the district not only reflects the community it serves but intentionally honors the traditions, celebrations, and experiences that shape its students and staff. For him, Alief is a place where people from all backgrounds are truly seen, respected, and celebrated. |
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February's Substitute of the month is Thanh Nguyen! Here's what his staff had to say: Mr. Nguyen is a highly reliable long‑term substitute who builds strong relationships with students and provides consistent instructional and emotional support. His dedication, attentiveness to students’ needs, and willingness to go above and beyond make him an invaluable asset and vey deserving of Substitute of the Month. |
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As we step into March, there’s no better time to shake off the winter slump and invite a little more movement into your day. Whether you're working from the office, traveling around campuses, or juggling a busy schedule, small bursts of physical activity can boost your mood, sharpen your focus, and support your overall well‑being. And the best part? Movement doesn’t have to be complicated to count!
Here are some fun and creative ways to add more “March Moves” into your daily routine: |
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1. Try the 5‑Minute Move Break! Every hour or two, set a timer and take five minutes to stretch, walk, or simply stand and breathe. It’s amazing how refreshed you feel after a short reset.
2. Make Meetings Mobile! If you’re leading or joining a call that doesn’t require a screen, try a “walking meeting.” Stroll around your office, building, or hallway—it all adds up! 3. Strength from Your Seat! Desk exercises—like seated leg lifts, shoulder rolls, or core squeezes—are great for days packed with meetings or desk time. They’re subtle but effective.
4. Turn Up the March Music! Create a fun playlist and take a two‑song dance break. Yes, even at work! Movement + music = instant energy lift. |
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5. Step Outside! Spring is right around the corner, and the weather is warming up. A quick walk outside during lunch or after work can help reduce stress and increase energy. 6. Track Your Momentum! Use a pedometer, smartwatch, or phone app to track your steps this month. Set a personal March goal—maybe 6,000, 8,000, or even 10,000 steps per day.
7. Make It Social! Invite a colleague to join you for a quick walk, join a wellness challenge, or start a friendly step competition. Movement is always more fun with a partner!
8. Why Move in March? Think of March as your “spring training” for the rest of the year. More movement improves mood, sleep, energy, and resilience.
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So let’s make March a month of momentum! Every step, stretch, and dance move counts. Your body (and mind) will thank you! |
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Click on the Photo to see the TAP Spotlight |
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Click on the Photo to see the most recent TAP Newsletter |
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Alief TIA News and Updates |
What is the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA)? |
What is the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA)?
TIA is a program created by the Texas Legislature as part of House Bill 3 to provide increased compensation for our most effective teachers and to help attract and retain highly effective teachers at traditionally hard-to-staff schools. TIA will help us to identify top teachers here in Alief by looking at a variety of measures of instructional excellence, including student learning and classroom observations. When looked at in combination, these measures will help recognize and reward highly effective teachers, some of whom will be eligible for increased compensation. The exact amount available to each teacher is dependent on a formula determined at the state level, which also takes into account the number of students who are economically disadvantaged. You can learn more at TIA Texas.
Alief ISD is proud to offer a fully-approved Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) system where almost all certified teachers in all subjects can earn distinctions at a recognized, exemplary and master level. Each of these distinctions comes with an associated monetary allotment and bonus payment for teachers who have earned the recognition. Currently 183 teachers in Alief ISD hold a TIA designation. TIA-designated teachers in Alief ISD will generate a TIA bonus allotment between $3,000 and $32,000, based on their designation level and campus.
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The average TIA bonus payment in Alief ISD per designation level for the 24-25 school year was: Recognized - $6,199 Exemplary - $11,913 Masters - $21,175
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Alief ISD is proud to celebrate Abdellatif “Latif” Adnane, a World Languages teacher at Alief Early College High School, for earning a Recognized Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) designation. With **25 years of teaching experience, all proudly served in Alief ISD, Mr. Adnane has devoted his career to empowering students through language, culture, and connection.
A Legacy of Growth and Heart
Mr. Adnane attributes his joy as an educator to the unique spirit of Alief ISD: a diverse community, a supportive environment, and endless opportunities for continued professional growth. His commitment to students goes far beyond instruction—his classroom is a place where learners are seen, valued, and encouraged to believe in their own potential.
What Drives His Success When reflecting on the factors that contributed to earning his TIA designation, Mr. Adnane highlights a powerful philosophy: “Hear the students’ voice, and listen to their silence.”
He believes that students guide us toward the most effective teaching strategies. By recognizing their hopes, fears, ambitions, and challenges, he works tirelessly to ensure students feel supported academically, emotionally, and personally. His approach embodies the heart of teaching: helping students turn hope into strategy and equipping them with skills for life, not just for school. Congratulations Mr. Adnane! Alief ISD celebrates your dedication, leadership, and unwavering belief in every student. Thank you for modeling excellence in teaching and for inspiring your campus and community. |
Alief ISD is proud to announce that the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has officially approved our 2025–26 Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) designations, confirming that all 2024–25 teacher effectiveness data successfully passed state data validation. This marks a major milestone for our district as we continue strengthening efforts to recognize, reward, and retain highly effective educators!
More Than 550 Alief ISD Educators Earn TIA Pending Designations
Alief ISD is excited to share that over 550 educators have earned new or higher TIA pending designations this year. These designations are expected to generate an estimated $8 million in additional state funding for the district during the 2025–26 allotment cycle. This year’s new TIA pending designations include: Recognized: 217 teachers Exemplary: 276 teachers
Master: 86 teachers
The Teacher Incentive Allotment is a statewide initiative designed to reward teacher excellence through increased compensation tied to classroom effectiveness and student growth. Funding generated through TIA helps districts recruit and retain strong educators—especially in high‑need areas—and ensures students have consistent access to high‑quality instruction.
Understanding Pending Designations
Teachers who have qualified for a TIA designation and have been approved by TEA currently hold a pending designation. These designations become official once the district confirms that each teacher has earned a creditable year of teaching service, a process known as winter roster verification.
If a teacher successfully completes a creditable year of service, the pending designation becomes official. Teachers who do not complete a creditable year of service will not be eligible to receive the pending designation.
Any teacher that retires mid-year will not meet the creditable year of teaching service required to confirm a designation.. This annual step ensures that every awarded designation reflects a full year of instructional impact
A District-wide Effort
This achievement represents the dedication and collaboration of many individuals, including classroom teachers, campus administrators, instructional coaches, evaluators, data teams, Human Resources, Payroll, and other operational departments. Their collective efforts ensure that the TIA system remains rigorous, equitable, and aligned with the district's mission of providing high‑quality instruction for every student. Next Steps
TEA will conduct its routine winter roster verification to confirm that designated educators remain in eligible assignments. The district anticipates results will remain consistent. TEA will also host upcoming sessions to guide districts through notifications, funding processes, and 2025 program requirements.
Alief ISD will share additional updates with staff as we move into the spring verification and funding phases.
For more information, see the TIA official website. Thank you to all educators and teams for your commitment to excellence and continuous improvement! |
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New and returning TIA-designated teachers who complete a creditable year of service during the 2025–2026 school year will receive their TIA bonus on the last paycheck in August 2026. |
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This adjustment from the previous May payout is part of Alief ISD’s strategic effort to retain our most effective teachers and ensure continued support for student achievement.
- To be eligible for the bonus, teachers must be returning to Alief ISD for the 2026–2027 school year, with the exception of those teachers who are retiring.
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Thank you for your dedication to our students and for being a vital part of our mission to help every child reach their full potential!
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T-TESS Appraisal Process Overview In Texas, school districts are required to implement T-TESS or a locally adopted system for teacher appraisals. This system provides a specific framework and timelines to evaluate teacher performance. The following steps are required annually for T-TESS: |
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1. Orientation: Schools must provide an official orientation to the T-TESS appraisal process for all teachers new to the district. Returning teachers should receive a brief review. Orientation should include Alternate Domain I when applicable, and all teachers should receive the appraisal calendar and procedures.
2. Goal Setting: The Goal Setting and Professional Development (GSPD) plan is integral to the process. Returning teachers discuss the GSPD plan at the prior year’s summative conference. New teachers must submit the plan within six weeks after orientation.
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3. Observations: 3 in total (2 walkthroughs, 1 full 45 minute eval) Observations should occur frequently and may be informal or formal. All require a written summary within 10 business days. Formal observations require pre- and post-conferences. Frequency and type are dictated by district procedures.
4. End-of-Year Conference: This summative conference must be held in person with a written summary provided no later than 15 working days before the final day of instruction. It includes discussion of next year’s GSPD plan and summer professional development activities.
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The T-TESS process ensures a structured and consistent approach to evaluating teacher performance across Texas school districts. By following the outlined steps—orientation, goal setting, observations, and end-of-year conference—districts can maintain fidelity to the framework and support teacher growth and development throughout the academic year. |
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Teacher T-TESS and SLO Timeline |
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| Alief ISD requires ESL Certification for all campus based teaching positions.
Alief teachers are eligible for a one-time $500 stipend after passing the ESL exam and adding it to their TEA certificate |
TExES Exam Info
• English as a Second Language Supplemental exam-#154
• Find test dates and registration information at www.tx.nesinc.com
Alief ISD Staff Development Sessions Offered Eligibility Guidelines for the ESL One-Time $500 Stipend
• Teachers must take and pass the ESL certification exam • Teachers must add ESL to their existing standard certificate • Teachers who already have ESL certification are not eligible
• Bilingual certified teachers are not required or eligible Written Request Required for Payment of Stipend After meeting the criteria a written request for payment is required.
Include name, employee ID# and school/dept. to Lety Shelley, Certification Specialist, Alief HR Contact Lety Shelley at 281-988-3456 x29147 or at Lety.Ocampo-Shelley@aliefisd.net for details or questions
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Check out some of our GYO partners... |
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Employment Verification Process |
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To streamline the process for handling employment verification inquiries, please follow the steps listed below. For detailed instructions, you can visit the Reference Document linked at the top of the image or refer to the information available on our district website Human Resources department page. All inquiries are processed through www.experianverify.com.
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Attention: Submitting Loan Forgiveness Documents:
We are currently experiencing technical issues with receiving the Docusign forms from the Department of Education. We have notified them and they are working to rectify the issue. Human Resources can complete a hard copy for you, but please understand your verification may be delayed. Please submit it electronically to: leoliza.carbonella@aliefisd.net or hr@aliefisd.net.
Please fill out the first page of application with your information (name, full SSN, current mailing address and phone number), scan, and upload it. This provides us with updated contact information in case of emergency (Especially if you are no longer employed with AISD), as well as ensuring accuracy in verifying your identity. There might be more than one employee with the same/similar name. Once your loan forgiveness application has been received, our turnover time is typically 2-4 days. Upon completion, we will return a digital copy via email (which can be uploaded to the website as a PDF) and hard copies will be mailed via US Postal Mail. Alief CANNOT submit the application to the Department of Education for any applicants under any circumstances.
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