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Wallingford board approves revised FMLA policy after debate
Summary
After an extended discussion about wording and process, the Wallingford Board of Education approved a proposed revision to its Family and Medical Leave Act policy by roll call, 7–1, with one member voting no; board members said the policy reflects attorney‑drafted language and federal law.
The Wallingford Board of Education voted to adopt a proposed revision to its Family and Medical Leave Act policy after a lengthy discussion about how the language would be applied.
Board member Ms. Reinis asked that the item be pulled from the consent agenda and said she could not "consent to this item" because certain phrases — particularly language allowing temporary transfers to accommodate leave — could be read as accommodating the employee’s schedule rather than operational needs. "I just can't consent to this item," she said during the discussion.
Superintendent Belizzi and human‑resources staff pushed back that the language follows federal requirements and reflects an interactive process when staff request FMLA. "That's in the law, that's in the federal law," HR director Dr. Thompson said, adding that transfers to equivalent positions and pay are described in the statute and implementing guidance.
School counsel was cited in the discussion: Assistant Superintendent Latour said the policy was drafted by the district’s attorneys, "Shipman and Goodwin," and noted the board typically relies on their wording. Board members debated whether to approve the attorneys' draft as written or return it to the policy committee for redrafting and additional attorney review.
After discussion, a motion to approve the proposed revision of policy 4.1.2.5.6 (Family and Medical Leave Act) was made and seconded. The board took a roll‑call vote: Mister Doring — Yes; Missus Passaretti — Yes; Ms. Reinis — No; Doctor Reed — Yes; Missus Regan — Yes; Mister Ross — Yes; Mister Votto — Yes; Doctor Roscoe — Yes. The motion carried.
The board directed staff to provide a clean copy of the adopted policy and invited Ms. Reinis to submit language for further consideration by the policy committee; administrators said any subsequent board edits would be reviewed again by counsel before final re‑adoption.
Next steps: the adopted policy will be posted as a clean version for review and, if board members request changes, the policy committee will consider drafted edits and consult Shipman & Goodwin before returning recommendations to the full board.
