MELANIE DOBNEY
Cypress,USA
Summary
Dynamic education and HR leader with a proven track record in enhancing organizational culture and operational efficiency. Expertise in advising on complex employee relations issues, ensuring equitable outcomes. Developed and delivered impactful training programs that improved employee and leadership capabilities.
Overview
1
1
Certification
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Staffing & Employee Relations
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
Cypress, TX
02.2022 - 06.2026
- Advised leaders at all levels on complex employee relations issues, including grievances, conflict resolution, corrective action, and policy interpretation, ensuring fair, consistent, and legally compliant outcomes.
- Partnered with HR colleagues and district leaders on sensitive HR decisions, including disciplinary actions and terminations, ensuring outcomes were defensible, equitable, and aligned with federal/state law.
- Evaluated ADA and related compliance matters, identified legal risks, and recommended actions that minimized exposure while reinforcing organizational culture.
- Designed and delivered HR and employee relations training, enhancing leader capability in investigations, documentation, conflict management, and adherence to policy.
- Prepared reports and responses to state agencies regarding complaints, drafting factual documentation and engaging with agency officials as necessary.
- Supported staffing and talent processes by reviewing hiring recommendations, evaluating criminal history reports, and ensuring employment decisions aligned with legal standards and district expectations.
Assistant Director, HR – Substitute Office
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
Cypress, TX
04.2020 - 02.2022
- Oversaw daily operations of high-volume HR function, ensuring efficient management of Frontline Absence and Substitute Management system and related workflows.
- Developed and delivered virtual new-hire orientations and ongoing training on professionalism, conduct expectations, and system usage, enhancing onboarding experience.
- Analyzed workforce and operational data to improve staffing strategies, optimize fill rates, and inform leadership decisions.
- Partnered with payroll and technology teams to ensure accurate reporting, system functionality, and compliance with federal and state requirements.
- Updated policy documents, including Substitute Employee Handbook, to align with organizational standards and improve clarity for users.
Assistant Director, HR – Community Programs
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
Cypress, TX
03.2018 - 04.2020
- Directed recruitment, interviewing, onboarding, and ongoing HR support for Community Programs, enhancing staff integration and retention while supervising HR staff.
- Oversaw employee orientation and training, fostering a positive, compliant, and well-supported workplace culture.
- Ensured adherence to federal, state, and district HR laws, regulations, and policies, including FLSA compliance and proper administration of salary schedules.
- Supported personnel actions—including promotions, demotions, and dismissals—by providing HR guidance and ensuring adherence to policies and documentation standards.
- Led investigations into allegations of employee misconduct, prepared objective investigative reports, and collaborated with leadership on resolution.
- Responded to sensitive employee matters, including drug/alcohol incidents, and ensured appropriate follow-up aligned with policy and legal requirements.
Assistant Director, Community Programs
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
Cypress, TX
06.2010 - 03.2018
- Directed staffing operations for before- and after-school programs, including recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and workforce planning across multiple campuses.
- Supervised and evaluated program coordinators, specialists, and site-based staff, establishing clear performance expectations and ensuring consistent, high-quality programming and a positive, inclusive workplace.
- Coached and trained staff to enhance capacity in supporting students with diverse behavioral and developmental needs and improving peer-to-peer interactions.
- Guided staff through conflict resolution and addressed behavior or performance concerns, fostering a positive work environment through effective communication and support.
- Monitored compliance with district policies, daycare licensing standards, and program procedures, ensuring accurate documentation and adherence to regulations.
- Oversaw updates to program guidelines, job descriptions, and handbooks to ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment with HR and district requirements.
Curriculum Coordinator
McKinney ISD
McKinney, TX
06.2003 - 06.2010
- Partnered with campus leadership to support emergent English students in grades K-12 by implementing a two-way dual language pilot program, overseeing textbook adoptions, and developing staff training for teachers across the district and region.
- Developed comprehensive curriculum materials for diverse student populations.
- Facilitated professional development workshops for teaching staff on curriculum implementation.
- Collaborated with educators to align instructional strategies and assessments.
Teacher
McKinney ISD
McKinney, TX
07.2000 - 06.2003
Teacher/Coach
Mt. Pleasant ISD
Mt. Pleasant, TX
08.1998 - 06.2000
Education
M. Ed. - Educational Leadership
Lamar University
Beaumont08-2010
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Texas of The Permian Basin
Odessa05-1997
Skills
- Employee relations
- Employment law compliance
- ADA regulations
- FLSA guidelines
- FMLA compliance
- Policy application
- Investigation processes
- HR strategy development
- Performance evaluation
- Leadership coaching
- Team development
- Staff development
Certification
- Texas Educator Certificate - Principal, Grades EC-12
- Texas Educator Certificate - Secondary Earth Science, Grades 6-12
- Texas Educator Certificate - English as a Second Language, Grades 6-12
Timeline
Director, Staffing & Employee Relations
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
02.2022 - 06.2026
Assistant Director, HR – Substitute Office
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
04.2020 - 02.2022
Assistant Director, HR – Community Programs
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
03.2018 - 04.2020
Assistant Director, Community Programs
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
06.2010 - 03.2018
Curriculum Coordinator
McKinney ISD
06.2003 - 06.2010
Teacher
McKinney ISD
07.2000 - 06.2003
Teacher/Coach
Mt. Pleasant ISD
08.1998 - 06.2000
M. Ed. - Educational Leadership
Lamar University
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Texas of The Permian Basin