We are delighted to report on an improvement to our Personal Leave. Please read this complete email, for how to ACCESS this improved personal leave.
In late Spring, at one of our monthly “Labor- Management” problem-solving meetings with Jeff Sherwood, we (Deb Murphy and Marge Mitchell, NESPA Co-Presidents, and Judy Ellis, Bargaining Team Chairperson, and me) suggested a change to the NESPA Agreement, to make it similar to the NSEA Agreement and to new Board Policy on personal leave.
This proposal was accepted, and ratified by the NESPA Board. As a result, personal leave can now be used for ANY personal matters. No reason needs to be given. (The previous language stated that personal leave was not to be used for “recreational purposes.”)
In addition, the blanket restriction on using personal leave adjacent to a break or holiday weekend have been removed. Now, up to 15 NESPA members—the first 15 requests--may use personal leave on a day adjacent to a holiday or vacation break. (A similar limitation, though higher, is in the NSEA Agreement. We all want to ensure that there is adequate staffing in our schools, and sufficient substitutes to cover absences. The Human Resources Dept. is working on ways to implement the 15 person limit; you do NOT need to contact HR or the sub office about whether you qualify under this limit. If you are not one of the first 15 on such a day, you’ll be informed of that.)
Please note that we must continue to COMMUNICATE IN ADVANCE our intention to take a leave. Whether your school requires that you schedule leaves with your principal, vice principal, or the office manager, you do need to schedule it at least one week in advance, except in cases of unanticipated circumstances. Please continue to use this professional courtesy and required process. Personal leave continues to be recorded on your time sheet.
Here is the actual REVISED contract language:
33.10 The District shall grant each employee two (2) days of personal leave, figured at the actual hours worked per day, with pay for personal reasons.
33.20 Personal leave can be taken in half-day increments and may be used for personal matters. No more than fifteen (15) employees may use personal leave on a day adjacent to a holiday or vacation break. Only the first fifteen (15) such requests on any given day shall be granted.
33.30 Personal leave shall be cumulative to a maximum of six (6) days.
33.40 Personal leave, except in cases of unanticipated circumstances, will be scheduled at least one week in advance.
NESPA appreciates the cooperation of HR Director Jeff Sherwood, HR Executive Director Laurie Ferwerda, and Supt. Larry Francois in making this possible.
