By: Donovan W. Mann – [email protected]
Humboldt, IA – The Humboldt Community School District is continuing COVID-19 sick leave rules.
During the most recent meeting of the Humboldt CSD Board of Education they discussed the possibility of continuing to allow their faculty and staff to take time off when sick with COVID-19 or COVID-19 symptoms and not having it count towards their traditional sick or vacation days.
When the pandemic first hit the federal government issued the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). This act protected many types of essential worker including school faculty and staff. However, this act was not continued at the federal level after its Dec. 31, 2020 expiration date.
The local school board made the motion to continue their policy to allow for 10 days staff can be out if sick with the virus. Superintendent Jim Murray complements the board for recognizing the importance of this program. He says the last thing anyone wants is a staff member to come in while symptomatic because they fear losing pay.
The motion was approved as presented on the agenda.