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Teachers urge delay on staff handbook; board sends HR item back to committee
Summary
The Pleasantville Education Association raised legal and morale concerns about a 108‑page staff handbook; the board voted to pull HR item 6.1 for committee review to address HIPAA/FERPA and contract issues.
Kathy Watson, president of the Pleasantville Education Association, told the board the staff handbook released the day before contains provisions she believes conflict with collective‑bargaining agreements and New Jersey law. "This handbook says that if you're late six times, you're gonna be docked a day," Watson said, urging the board to table the handbook to allow labor and legal review.
Board members questioned whether general counsel and labor counsel had reviewed the document. Dr. Martinez said the staff administration manual was prepared by the office of talent and development and has been reviewed by general counsel; she also said any policy changes would require board review. Board members raised privacy concerns about a proposed employee sick‑bank committee reviewing medical details and cited HIPAA and FERPA protections; Dr. Martinez said the committee reviews voluntary donations and she would ensure language conformed with privacy law.
After discussion, the board voted to remove HR item 6.1 from tonight's consent approval and refer it back to committee for further review and legal/labor consultation. A motion to proceed with committee review carried on the board floor.
