New HCPSS Family Leave Exchange Program Supports Educators

February 13th, 2015

Howard County public school teachers will soon have greater support in caring for family members experiencing serious illness or other medical emergencies. The new Family Crisis Leave Exchange (FCLE), an agreement between the school system and the Howard County Educators Association (HCEA), goes into effect on March 1, 2015.

Participants in the optional program may donate up to two days of their unused personal, sick, or other paid leave to the exchange to benefit a specific employee. The donated leave will be made available in grants of up to 30 days to unit members who have already exhausted their own leave and need additional days off to care for immediate family members affected by catastrophic illness or serious injury.

An FCLE Committee, consisting of two HCEA representatives and one HCPSS staff member, must approve all applications to use leave from the exchange. Donated leave not used by the designated recipient will be returned to the donor.

“I am very pleased that we are able to offer this new leave exchange, because it supports our system’s commitment to staff well-being,” said Superintendent Renee A. Foose. “This is a significant addition to our existing health and wellness benefits, and will help relieve the burden and stress involved in coping with a family medical crisis.”