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Board reviews first reading of Policy 5409 to allow two unpaid days for reasons of faith
Summary
At first reading the board reviewed Policy 5409, which would let staff request up to two unpaid days for reasons of faith or conscience and establishes an approval process and undue-hardship standard; the policy would require a resolution for formal adoption.
A staff presenter introduced Policy 5409 as a first reading, telling the board the policy would allow employees to request up to two unpaid days for reasons of faith or conscience and set a process for how such requests would be made and considered. "What this policy does is it allows staff to take two unpaid days for reason of faith or conscious," the presenter said.
The presenter said the policy aligns Meridian School District practice with WASDA model language and that the board would need a resolution if it chooses to adopt the policy. The presenter added that while the district has received requests for unpaid leave for religious reasons in the past, those requests have not been denied even without a formal policy in place.
Board members asked clarifying questions about how student attendance policy treats religious holidays and how the district would define undue hardship when evaluating requests. The presenter said the policy would include criteria for denial when necessary and that related student attendance policy already covers excused absences for religious observance.
The policy was brought as a first reading; no adoption vote was taken. The board signaled it would continue review and may return with a resolution if it chooses to adopt the policy.
