Last night, after negotiations with JESPA and JEA, the Board of Education voted to approve changes to leave policies for all benefit-eligible employees. Below is a brief summary of what those changes mean, as well as a description of federal leave options available through December 2020.
Changes to Leave Policy
- 6 weeks of maternity leave is available to all benefit-eligible employees.
- 2 weeks of paternity leave is available to all benefit-eligible employees (to be taken in the first year of the child’s life).
- Instead of receiving sick, family sick, and personal leave, employees will receive an equal amount of “annual leave” that can be used for any purpose.
- Any annual leave days that are not used by July 1 each year will convert to sick leave.
- All personal and sick leave accrued before July 1 remains available and unchanged.
Federal Leave Assistance through FFCRA
- The Families First Coronavirus Response Act entitles employees to the following leave above and beyond what is offered through policy:
- 80 hours of leave for employees who cannot work because of quarantine.
- 80 hours of leave at ⅔ pay to care for an individual who has been quarantined.
- 10 weeks of leave at ⅔ pay to provide child care for a child whose school or daycare has closed because of COVID-19.
Additional Information
- A moratorium has been placed on all low-absence or no-absence incentives.
- Teachers may be able to teach from home virtually during quarantine, avoiding the need to take leave.
- Individuals must be employed for at least 30 days to qualify for federal leave.
- The deadline for using vacation leave accrued during the 2019-20 school year has been extended to December 2020.
Employees should review the documents at the links below and/or consult with the Human Resources department or their supervisor before making decisions about leave.
Policies - Licensed
Policies - ESP