School Board approves civil service holiday calendar for the first time

In a pivotal move during the ERCSD Regular Board Meeting on May 20, 2025, the board approved a civil service holiday calendar for the first time, aiming to clarify holiday entitlements for 12-month employees. This decision addresses long-standing confusion regarding which holidays are officially recognized, providing much-needed clarity for staff who often inquired about approved days off.

The discussion highlighted the importance of formalizing the civil service holiday calendar, which has been a common practice in other districts. Board members noted that this calendar is essential for ensuring that employees are aware of their holiday rights, especially as negotiations around contracts have increasingly included language about board-approved holidays.

The board emphasized that while there is no legal limit to the number of civil service holidays, the calendar will help manage expectations, particularly when holidays fall on weekends. This clarity is expected to reduce the volume of inquiries from employees regarding holiday observance.

Additionally, the board discussed the instructional calendar, which differs from the civil service calendar as it includes specific recess periods for teachers and students. Changes to the instructional calendar were also addressed, including adjustments to accommodate parent-teacher conferences and ensure compliance with New York State regulations.

The board plans to revisit the civil service holiday calendar in the next meeting to finalize any additional holidays that may need to be included, ensuring that all employees are adequately informed and supported. This proactive approach marks a significant step towards enhancing communication and transparency within the district.