Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Employee Wellness topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Laredo ISD board approves three wellness leave days for full‑time employees for 2025–26
Summary
Trustees adopted a resolution granting three wellness leave days to full‑time employees for the 2025–26 school year, delegating administrative rules to the superintendent; trustees amended language to make eligibility permissive rather than mandatory in certain administrative phrasing.
LAREDO, Texas — The Laredo Independent School District Board of Trustees on July 24 adopted a resolution granting three wellness leave days to all full‑time district employees for the 2025–26 school year.
The board resolution delegates authority to the superintendent to implement administrative regulations for the wellness days, including a blackout‑date calendar, a prohibition on rolling over the days, and a clause that the days are not eligible for buyback at retirement. The resolution cites section 45.105 of the Texas Education Code as board authority to expend district funds for necessary conduct of public schools.
Trustee action and amendment
Trustee Antonio moved to approve the resolution; the motion received a second and initial discussion followed. Trustees debated limitations the administration proposed (for example, restrictions on using wellness days during the first week of a semester or on holiday adjacencies). Following trustee comments, the board approved an amendment changing a sentence from “shall” to “may” to make implementation language permissive in a specific administrative sentence. The amendment was accepted and the resolution passed by voice vote.
Key provisions
- Three wellness leave days will be granted to all full‑time employees for use during the 2025–26 school year only. - Wellness days will not roll over if unused and are not eligible for buyback at retirement. - The superintendent may enact administrative rules and a blackout‑date calendar that limits use on certain high‑impact dates (the board retained discretion for administrative regulation while agreeing to supervisor review in extenuating circumstances). - Supervisors and HR will collaborate when extenuating circumstances arise; trustees requested a process for employees who believe a denial was inappropriate.
Trustee and staff discussion
Trustees and staff discussed fears that restrictive blackout dates could penalize employees who experience unpredictable mental‑health needs. Several trustees urged transparency and prompt communication to affected employees. Trustees also asked that the district develop clear coding and reporting processes so employees can notify supervisors or HR without being placed in a prolonged dispute while seeking care.
Next steps
The board delegated implementation details to the superintendent and asked staff to develop procedures for coding and reporting wellness days, and to consider integration with district mental‑health partner services already under discussion.
Ending
The resolution took effect for the 2025–26 school year; the board noted there is no guarantee wellness days will be granted beyond the single school year covered in the resolution.
