Teachers propose consistent leave tracking system in Skyward at district meeting

The Geary County Schools USD 475 negotiation meeting on April 8, 2025, focused on critical issues regarding teacher leave policies and the inconsistencies in the reporting systems used for tracking leave.

One of the main proposals discussed was the potential for teachers who have exhausted their annual leave due to personal illness or family emergencies to be granted up to five usable leave days without a deduction in pay. This proposal aims to provide additional support for teachers facing significant personal challenges.

A significant concern raised during the meeting was the confusion surrounding the tracking of personal and sick leave. Currently, the Skyward system does not clearly differentiate between personal and sick leave, leading to difficulties for teachers trying to understand their available leave. Teachers have reported inconsistencies in how leave requests are handled across different buildings, with some administrators encouraging the use of sick leave over personal leave, which can lead to further complications.

The discussion highlighted the need for a more streamlined approach to leave reporting, with suggestions to either clarify the existing contract language or to consider a shift towards a more unified Paid Time Off (PTO) system. While the representatives acknowledged that changing the system to reflect PTO could enhance efficiency, they clarified that this was not an immediate request but rather a long-term goal.

Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of clear communication and consistent policies regarding teacher leave, as well as the need for improved systems to support educators in managing their time off effectively. The next steps will involve further discussions on how to implement these changes and improve the overall experience for teachers in Geary County Schools.