District 60 Sick Leave Bank
FAQ
What is the Sick Leave Bank?
The Sick Leave Bank (SLB) is a “bank” of donated excused leave which may be requested for use by an employee who has experienced an unexpected catastrophic event and who has exhausted, or will soon exhaust all of his or her excused leave days, including vacation.
What is an “unexpected catastrophic event”?
An “unexpected catastrophic event” is defined for the purposes of the Sick Leave Bank as a personal severe illness or injury that is expected to continue for a period of continuous or intermittent absence, which qualifies as excused leave and which prevents the employee from performing his/her job duties.
An “unexpected catastrophic event” may also be defined as a serious event which requires the employee’s absence to care for a member of the employee’s family or extended family, or an unexpected tragedy in the employee’s family or extended family which requires the employee’s absence for some period of time.
The Sick Leave Bank is NOT intended to cover such instances as:
• vacation
• extending normal maternity leave
• a short term illness, such as the flu or a cold
• Worker’s Compensation cases
Employees receiving compensation while ill or injured under Worker’s Compensation provisions are not eligible to withdraw days from the bank until exhausting all such benefits.
What is the procedure for accessing the Sick Leave Bank?
Application forms (Sick Leave Bank – Request Form) are available on the District’s intranet under Human Resources, on the PEA website under important documents, or in both the HR or Association Offices. Forms must be completed and turned in to HR. The SLB Board will review applications, and may request a personal interview or medical verification, if appropriate. The SLB Board will notify applicants in writing within ten school days of receipt of the application.
How many Sick Leave Bank days may I use?
Benefits-eligible employees may apply to use up to thirty (30) days for an unexpected catastrophic event, not to exceed sixty (60) days in any three (3) year period. Awarding of the SLB days is the sole purview of the SLB Board.
What is the Sick Leave Bank Board?
The Sick Leave Bank Board is composed of eight employees. Four employees will be appointed by the District administration, and four will be appointed by the Associations which have bargained this benefit: PEA, PESPA, PPEA. SLB Board members will serve alternating two-year terms. SLB Board members will be responsible for managing the Bank, and will be held to the highest standards of confidentiality.
What if the Sick Leave Bank Board does not grant my request to use the SLB?
The decision of the Sick Leave Bank Board is final.
What if I want to donate more than one (1) day to the sick leave bank?
Benefits-eligible employees will be required to donate one (1) day annually to the SLB in order to be a member. No further donation will be accepted. In order to remain active in the Sick Leave Bank (be able to access or use days) employees must donate one excused leave day EVERY YEAR.
Employees who resign or retire may donate up to ten (10) of their unused accumulated excused leave days; such donated days will not qualify for retirement benefit. In any case, no contribution to the Bank will change the benefits of policy or procedures of the Sick Leave Bank.
What is the procedure for an employee who is unable to personally request use of the Sick Leave Bank due to accident or serious personal or family illness?
If, due to the seriousness of his/her illness or injury, an employee is not able to request/complete the forms to request use of the SLB , then a family member with the legal authority to act on behalf of the employee may request/complete the application. All such completed applications must be accompanied by written verification (prepared and signed by a health care provider) stating the nature of the serious illness, disability or injury, and the anticipated length of time the employee will be absent from work.
Will both certified/licensed and classified employees be permitted to donate or request use of the Sick Leave Bank?
Yes. Both certified/licensed and classified employees who are benefits-eligible may donate and apply for use of the Sick Leave Bank.
Can I use the Sick Leave Bank for a pregnancy or maternity leave?
No, the Sick Leave Bank cannot be used to extend a normal pregnancy or maternity leave.
A complicated pregnancy that requires the employee to be restricted from fulfilling her job duties may apply to the SLB. An employee may apply to the SLB for days if a newborn baby requires extended hospitalization. This kind of situation will require verification in writing by a health care provider, and the health care provider must state the employee’s presence is required. As in all cases, the employee must have used all of her excused leave days before days from the SLB can be accessed.