Olympia School Board holds first reading of domestic violence leave policy

The Olympia School District Board of Directors held a first reading Thursday, March 13, of a draft policy implementing Washington’s domestic violence leave statute, RCW 49.76, intended to provide leave and workplace protections for employees who are survivors or family members of survivors.

The policy was presented by Director Maria Flores, who said the measure is intended "to reduce domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking by enabling survivors to maintain the financial independence necessary to leave abusive situations, achieve safety, minimize physical and emotional injuries, and to reduce the devastating economic consequences" of those harms.

The draft mirrors the statutory language in RCW 49.76 by listing permissible reasons for leave — including seeking legal or law‑enforcement assistance, getting treatment for physical and mental health needs, participating in safety planning and relocating — and by allowing employees to use paid leave, shared leave, or take unpaid leave at their discretion. The policy also includes workplace safety accommodations such as job reassignment, changes to phone or email, and implementing safety procedures; and it prohibits discrimination and retaliation against survivors or those who assist them. The draft requires confidentiality except where employees consent to disclosure, a court orders it, or federal or state law requires the release of information.

Board members praised the draft’s intent but requested technical edits and follow‑up reviews. Director Saito asked the board to change the policy number because the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA) model library already uses 5410; Director Flores replied the numbering had come from legal staff and said she would change it. Director Huffman thanked Flores for bringing the policy forward, saying it was important and noting many board members had personal experience that underlined the need for the protections. Director Seidel and others asked that district staff confirm whether the draft aligns with collective bargaining agreements and requested labor partners be given an opportunity to review the policy before second reading. Director Seidel suggested the title could be broadened to reflect that the draft covers leave as well as accommodations and anti‑discrimination protections.

No adoption vote occurred; the item was treated as a first reading and the board discussed edits and next steps. Several board members requested that Executive Director Scott Nieman coordinate legal and bargaining‑unit review prior to a second reading. Director Flores said the draft had been submitted to the Washington State School Directors Association for consideration as a model policy.

The board will schedule follow‑up steps to (1) renumber the policy to avoid conflict with WSSDA model policy numbers, (2) confirm cross‑references and consistency with collective bargaining agreements, and (3) circulate the revised draft to labor partners and legal counsel before the second reading.