Board pauses workers'‑comp policy update after members question legality of local wage supplement

Board members discussed the district’s workers’‑comp policy after staff described a local provision that pays part of an employee’s salary and continued insurance for up to 30 days while the employee receives workers’‑comp benefits.

Administrators explained the local policy language that had been in place and described how the district had handled short-term return-to-work and light-duty arrangements. Several board members said that, in their private-sector experience, an employer generally does not supplement workers’‑comp wage benefits while a claim is open and cautioned the district might be legally constrained from doing so. One board member said the local provision appeared inconsistent with model TSBA guidance and asked whether the paragraph was lawful. Staff and board members agreed the language required legal review.

No policy change was adopted. The board pulled the item from immediate consideration and directed staff to seek legal guidance (internal counsel and the district’s workers’‑comp provider were specifically referenced in discussion) and to return with recommended edits. The board recorded no formal vote on the substance; the item will be revisited after counsel advises whether the local supplement or related insurance payments are permissible and, if so, how the board should document procedures and limits.

Board members asked staff to report back with a clear statement of whether the district may lawfully continue to pay any supplement to wages or insurance while an employee receives workers’‑comp benefits and whether a consistent districtwide procedure for light duty and benefits continuation is feasible.

Because no formal motion to adopt or amend policy was made, the current workers’‑comp policy remains in place pending counsel review.