Forethought Consulting presented several policy proposals to the Webster Parish School Board for consideration. Out of more than twenty policies, the school board approved all but one, tabling the policy related to employee sick leave and the school system’s sick leave bank.
The proposed policy would require employees to have more than fifty sick days in order to donate their sick days to other employees.
“This policy, as it stands and as it’s written, does not reflect the values of Webster Parish. It imposes limitations on how employees can use their sick leave,” said Bernard Friday, who represents the Webster Federation of Teachers and School Employees. “Forethought brought this policy to you all, as well as to many other districts. It’s up to you, along with your lawyers, to tailor it to your needs. It could be a better policy that addresses the needs of your people.”
School Board Attorney Jon Guice provided perspective on the policy, explaining that its intent was to encourage employees to save their sick days and avoid donating them until they have enough to sustain themselves.
“Somewhere in the middle is probably where we’ll end up. The concern is that if employees start giving away their sick leave days, they may deplete their own balance and leave themselves without support when they need it. Then they’ll have to rely on the sick leave bank. The goal is to find a balance where employees protect themselves as well,” said Guice.
Business Director for the school board, Crevonne Odom, also shared her thoughts on the policy, noting that it would help prevent employees from feeling coerced into donating their sick days to others.
“A lot of times, people are coerced or pressured into giving up their days for others, and then they’re left without enough to cover themselves if something happens. The thought process was that if you have fifty or more days, you can donate. But if you have fewer than fifty days, sound judgment would suggest keeping those days for yourself,” said Odom. “Fifty days can go very, very quickly when you’re dealing with recuperation or rehabilitation, which can last anywhere from six to eight weeks.”
Ultimately, the board decided to table the matter for further discussion. It’s likely that the policy will be revised and reintroduced at the next school board meeting.