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Board approves first reading of vacation policy changes for 240‑day employees, 5–4
Summary
In a 5–4 vote the Marlboro County Board approved first reading of Policy GCD and Policy GDD, which prevent new 240‑day employees from accruing vacation while preserving previously accumulated leave; members debated fiscal impact and equity.
The Marlboro County Board of Education voted 5–4 on the first reading of two policies that would change vacation accrual for 240‑day employees. The policies—identified in the meeting as Policy GCD (professional staff vacation/holiday) and Policy GDD (support staff vacation/holiday)—would stop the accumulation of new vacation days for future 240‑day hires while preserving any vacation already accrued by current employees.
A staff presenter explained the change and said the policy does not remove already accumulated vacation: "This is not taking away accumulated vacation time, nor is it changing the policy for employees who currently have accumulated vacation time. They would still get that when they retire." The presenter also said the district owes payouts that could amount to a sizeable recurring liability and offered an estimate: "I would estimate ... it would probably be in the hundred,000 to $120,000 range each year."
Board members debated whether neighboring districts offer vacation for similar employees and whether the change would affect recruitment. One member described the proposed policy as an equity and fiscal measure; another said the district could reconsider reinstating vacation when finances improve. Several members asked for an itemization of affected employees and for equitable treatment of those who previously received payouts.
The vote followed discussion and a motion to accept the first reading. After the ballot by raised hands, the chair announced the motion carried by a 5–4 margin. The presenter and legal counsel earlier confirmed the draft language would be the final policy text to be considered on second reading unless the board proposed edits.
The board then moved into executive session to discuss personnel, resignations and the superintendent search. When the board returned to open session it voted to accept two certified resignations and announced plans to begin interviews for superintendent candidates the following Thursday.
