Board approves reimbursement of substitute costs so educator-trustees need not use sick leave

The Sunnyvale School District Board voted to approve resolution R26-13 to reimburse substitute costs for trustees who are educators in other districts when they miss work to perform board duties. Supporters testified that the policy will make public service more accessible for working teachers, who otherwise often use limited sick or personal leave.

Multiple teachers and local board members spoke in favor during the public-comment period. Heather Burns, a teacher at San Miguel, told the board: “This is a great way to make public service and school boards accessible for teachers.” Trustees discussed access and equity concerns and then approved the resolution (recorded vote: 4–0 with one trustee recusal). The board chair noted that many recent board races were uncontested and said removing barriers to candidacy is an important step to encourage participation.