Board clarifies workers' compensation policy, removes previous district-paid salary supplements and tightens leave provisions

Coffee County's board voted to update the district's workers' compensation policy and related sick-leave language to align with guidance from Tennessee Risk Management and the district's workers' compensation supervisor.

Workers' compensation policy (3.602): Board members said they had been advised by the district insurance representative and counsel to remove language that implied the board would top off employees' salaries while they were receiving workers' compensation benefits. The updated policy clarifies that workers' compensation benefits are administered by the insurer and that the district will not make payroll-continuation payments except as specifically agreed. Staff said workers' compensation benefits generally begin after seven days and that return-to-work accommodations are handled case by case, with principals asked whether a restricted-duty placement is possible.

Sick-leave portability and sick-leave bank (5.302): The board approved clarifying edits to the sick-leave policy to spell out that classified/support personnel may transfer accumulated leave from another Tennessee district and to clarify the operation of the district's sick-leave bank (eligibility and procedure were placed more clearly in policy language).

Board action: The board approved the amendments after staff said they had reviewed the language with the district's workers' compensation supervisor and insurance advisor. Members discussed the rationale for removing the supplemental-pay wording and confirmed prior practices for return-to-work and benefit continuation.

Outcome: Policies approved as amended; staff assigned follow-up tasks to apply the clarified procedures.