Policy committee narrows eligibility for extended sick leave and adds a 5‑day documentation window

Mr. Thompson, who led the discussion on Policy GBRIB, told the committee the district is seeing what staff described as misuse of the extended sick leave benefit and proposed revised eligibility requiring employees to miss three or more consecutive work days due to a medical necessity certified by a physician. Mr. Thompson: "employees must miss 3 or more consecutive days of work due to the medical necessity that is certified by a physician to be eligible for the extended sick leave."

Committee members discussed examples (cancer treatments and intermittent appointments) and sought a clearer deadline for submitting extended-leave paperwork. Staff noted the policy wording currently indicates submission prior to leave, but practice varies; the committee agreed to add a requirement that the extended-leave form be submitted within five days of the beginning of the leave. Staff also stated that extended sick leave provides 65% of pay and that employees are eligible for 90 days of extended sick leave every six years. The committee voted to approve the policy changes, including the 5-day documentation window, and will forward the revision to the full board in August.