Husband of late payroll specialist asks RISD board to reconsider sick‑leave payout policy

Roswell — During public comment at the Sept. 9 Roswell Independent School District board meeting, George Finley asked trustees to reconsider district policy limiting sick‑leave payouts after the death of his wife, Christina Gutierrez Finley, who worked 23 years in the payroll office.

Finley said his wife "devoted 23 years" to the district and had accumulated 97 sick‑leave days she reserved for medical emergencies. He said district leadership told him under current policy "Christina cannot be paid for more than 1 12 of her sick leave balance because it would be a violation policy." Finley asked the board to review that interpretation and to treat long‑serving employees consistently.

Why it matters: The speaker framed the request as a fairness and compassion issue for district employees; he asked trustees to consider adjusting the application of policy in comparable circumstances.

What the record shows: The transcript records the public comment and the speaker’s request but does not record any motion or board response to change policy during the meeting.

Ending: Finley closed by thanking the community and naming schools and staff that provided support to his family; no formal board action on sick‑leave payout policy was recorded at the meeting.