ECISD leaves and absences policy

ECISD has revamped its proposed changes to the employee leaves and absences policy after local teacher organizations raised concerns about the restrictions on absences.

The original plan was tabled after first reading in March because of a model policy worksheet from the Texas Association of School Boards outlined some legal changes to the Family and Medical Leave Act's implementation. In addition, SB 522 gives public school employees the right to choose whether to count something as state or personal leave and also prohibits the state from restricting the state leave's purpose.

Texas Classroom Teachers Association President Glenn DeMoss said the change meant the district couldn't put in place a 5 percent cap on the number of teachers gone for state personal leave on the same day. However, campus principals can still decline state personal leave if necessary.

"The right to choose negates that camp," he said.

DeMoss said he was pleased with another change from the March draft - going from three to five days of absences requiring a doctor's note.

"It's much closer to what we originally had as the policy," he said. DeMoss said the existing policy has five days of absences as the mandated point for a doctor's note.

The revised policy change still requires supervisor contact after three or more days of absences during a school year. However, he said he's not against that move.

"I think many already do that. It's just more formalized," he said.

Incoming regional Texas State Teachers Association President Chuck Isner said he tentatively supports the changes, though he hasn't seen the actual proposal.

"Honey is better than vinegar. I hope it is not overly punitive, but preliminary data sounds good," he said.

Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Gilbert Vasquez said the district was in waiting mode after the March board meeting and TASB policy worksheet.

"We've made some changes based on modifications requested," he said.

Board members received a survey to fill out detailing their requested views on the policy. Trustee Ray Beaty said he was glad to see the doctor's requirement increase from three to five days for the sake of consistency and developing an agreeable new policy.

"I was glad to see that maintained. Five days is the original wording," he said.

He said a unified product is important for district workers to share a common goal.

"It's good to have something that's workable for all sides," he said.

HIGHLIGHTS

The revised ECISD employee absence policy is different from the March proposal by:

>> Removing a cap on how many teachers may use state personal leave by campus, though principals still have discretion on whether to grant requests.

>> Requiring a doctor's note after five days instead of three days out sick.

The new policy still requires supervisor contact for three or more absences and review of absences in excess of 10 days per school year.

Trustees will hear a first reading on the policy at the July 14 meeting.