Platteville board adopts 2024–25 employee handbook updates including bereavement and certification timelines

The Platteville School District board approved revisions to the 2024–25 employee handbook that staff said are intended to improve recruitment and retention.

Staff (speaker 3) explained the key changes: the handbook will provide three days of paid bereavement leave to qualifying employees (available even in an employee’s first year and applicable per qualifying event); the salary matrix advancement schedule will acknowledge degree completions on Jan. 1 and Sept. 1 (shortening the wait time for staff who finish programs outside the traditional academic calendar); and the district will recognize nationally board-certified teachers for salary consideration after five years in the district and seven years of teaching overall, rather than the previous 10-year in-district requirement. "So I feel this is a great way to help retain some of our employees," staff said.

Board members moved and seconded the recommendation to approve the handbook as presented; the motion carried by voice vote. Staff said these changes are part of an annual review process that compiles suggested edits throughout the year and discusses them with staff prior to final approval.

The board packet should be consulted for the full text of the handbook revisions and any administrative procedures tied to implementation.