Board receives first read of updates to temporary and personal illness leave policy

The Blue Valley Board of Education on Oct. 13 received a first read of proposed updates to Policy 6610, Temporary and Personal Illness Leaves. Administration said the revisions reflect recent negotiations with the teachers association and related-service providers and would extend similar provisions to classified staff.

Key changes described during the first read included: expanding grandparent leave eligibility from within the first four weeks after an event to within the first year; broadening bereavement leave definitions beyond the current “immediate family” wording; allowing personal leave to be taken in 5-day increments up to a total of 14 days (subject to available leave balances); and increasing the number of days eligible for retirement payout from 135 to 145 to align with the teachers’ contract.

HR staff said these were first-read policy updates following negotiations and invited trustees to submit questions to Human Resources or Melissa Hillman before the board considers the policies for approval at the November meeting.

No vote was taken on Policy 6610 at the Oct. 13 meeting; the item was scheduled to return for board action in November.