BREA : School Board OKs Family Leave Policy

The Brea Olinda Unified School District board this week tentatively adopted a policy that would pay employees’ health benefits for up to three months while they take time off to care for family members.

Trustees voted 6 to 0 in favor of the “Family Care Leave” policy, which covers time off for childbirth, child adoption or caring for an ailing child, spouse or parent who suffers from serious injuries or physical or mental illnesses.

During the time employees are absent from work, the school district is responsible for continuing all health benefits. Employees who take a family-care leave of absence will not be paid.

Board member Todd Spitzer abstained from voting. Spitzer said that although he believes the policy is good for employees, “there has to be some give and take.”

He said he does not support having the district pay health benefits for employees who are absent for 12 weeks.

But other trustees praised the policy, saying it allows employees to spend time caring for sick relatives. One person has sought the benefits so far this year.