The Moses Lake School District's recent board meeting highlighted significant updates to personnel leave policies, driven by audit recommendations aimed at improving documentation and compliance.

Key changes include the introduction of a structured policy for coaching leave, which now requires staff to hold a supplemental contract to qualify for this type of absence. This adjustment addresses previous misuse of coaching leave by non-contracted individuals, ensuring that only those officially recognized for coaching roles can take advantage of this benefit.

Additionally, the board discussed the need for better documentation regarding bereavement and jury duty leaves. The audit revealed that while these leaves were frequently utilized, there was a lack of required documentation to support their use. Moving forward, the district will implement a policy mandating that employees provide necessary paperwork for these types of leave.

The meeting also confirmed that the district utilizes an electronic absence management system, Red Rover, to track and manage leave requests. This system allows employees to submit their absences digitally, ensuring that all documentation is stored for future audits.

These policy updates reflect the district's commitment to transparency and accountability in managing employee leave, aligning with best practices recommended by the Washington State School Directors' Association (WASDA). The board's proactive approach aims to enhance operational efficiency and uphold the integrity of the district's leave policies.