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Francis Howell board ratifies FHEA agreement, clarifies halftime release and sick‑leave changes
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Summary
The board approved a closure agreement with the Francis Howell Education Association covering 2026–2028 that includes a halftime released FHEA president (district pays halftime; association reimburses), an extra sick day (raising bank to 12), an expanded sick‑bank cap (to 185 days), and updated sell-back rate ($125).
The Francis Howell School District board voted March 19 to approve a closure agreement with the Francis Howell Education Association covering the 2026–2028 school years. Board discussion and questions at the meeting spelled out several operational details about how the halftime release position and leave provisions will work.
Miss Sumpkins, speaking for FHEA, and district negotiators said the closure agreement clarifies that the teacher‑union president will be released half time for union duties. The district will pay the teacher’s salary while that person teaches their remaining hours; the FHEA will reimburse the district for the released time. "The association will reimburse the district the full actual cost, which would include salary, any stipends, contributions to retirement benefits of that halftime release," Miss Sumpkins said.
Under the agreement, staff received one additional sick day per year (raising the annual allotment from 11 to 12) and the sick‑bank cap will increase (the transcript reports changes raising banked limits to 185 days). The negotiated teacher attendance incentive also adjusts the sick‑day sell‑back rate: employees may sell back banked days above a 60‑day minimum at $125 per day (the district explained that the payout is intended to be commensurate with substitute costs).
Board members asked for clarifications about coverage during emergencies, how replacements will be posted and hired, and whether the release arrangement could lead to added substitute costs. Administration responded that the district will post and fill the midday or half‑time positions and that existing substitute arrangements would be used to cover unplanned absences.
Trustees also discussed extra‑duty stipends and said a fall review will recommend whether to adjust the minimum/maximum schedules in the later negotiations cycle. The board approved the closure agreement by voice vote and then proceeded with associated signatures during the meeting.
The closure agreement and related details are part of a broader set of negotiations referenced repeatedly during public comment and later board discussion.
