Board clarifies personal and sick‑leave rules after months of debate over absences

The Caddo Parish School Board on June 17 approved revisions to personnel leave policies that clarify how two personal‑leave days and sick‑leave verification will be handled, particularly around holidays and extended absences.

Board counsel and staff explained the changes stem from state law and longstanding practice. "This is provided by statute 17:1208 and 17:1208.1," board attorney Mister Abrams told members during the meeting when asked about limits on personal days. He said the statute limits personal leave and requires 24‑hour notice for a leave without loss of pay in non‑emergency situations.

Under the revised sick‑leave policy, the board stipulated that frequent absences clustered around holidays or repeated short absences could trigger verification requirements. Superintendent Keith Burton and human resources staff said the policy preserves employee protections for legitimate illness while adding a requirement that doctors' notes be presented when absences form a pattern or when they occur on defined sensitive dates. "We had people that would go 5 days and then they would come back in...the board came up with the policy saying if you got 6 days, then we're going to require that you come in with a doctor's excuse," the attorney explained.

Board members said the aim is to reduce chronic absenteeism that disrupts instruction and operations while acknowledging legitimate medical and personal needs. Several board members noted the policy does not invent new leave entitlements but clarifies the documentation and notice expectations tied to state statute. The board approved the revisions as part of the consent/regular agenda.

Staff and the board emphasized that the policy includes due process and discretion for emergencies; employees who are ill still have sick‑leave banks and can follow customary procedures to receive pay for valid sick days.