Board approves electronic-device policy, sick-leave bank rules and new parental-leave policy

The Uintah County School District board on June 18 approved several personnel and student policies on second reading, including a revised electronic-devices policy, a sick-leave bank policy and a new postpartum and parental-leave policy that reflects 2024 state legislation.

During the policy discussion, staff said the electronic-devices policy includes a provision that "use of accessories such as earbuds, smart glasses, and other emerging technologies will be addressed in district procedures" so administrators can update procedures without reopening the policy text as technologies evolve. Staff also noted the state law requires students have access to devices for personal or school emergencies and that procedures will be developed to balance access and safety.

The sick-leave bank policy passed on second reading without change from first reading; staff said it establishes an annual review and reporting requirement to the sick-leave bank committee and clarifies that the committee has authority to propose policy adjustments. The board also approved a postpartum and parental-leave policy modeled on USBA guidance; administrators said language was clarified to limit eligibility to employees working the district-defined threshold of hours (employees scheduled for less than 40 hours are not eligible under the clarified definition).

All policy motions were approved unanimously on second reading. Board members asked staff to highlight changes between first and second reading on future board documents so trustees can more easily identify edits.