No teacher should have to miss a parent-teacher conference for their own child, or be unable to take bereavement leave,” said Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson. “Allowing teachers to use their sick time to care for their loved ones or their children is the right thing to do. “This legislation is a practical solution to support our educators in their daily lives, and to help retain experienced teachers at a time when our schools are facing severe personnel shortages,” said Senator Gopal. Prime sponsors of the legislation include Senator Vin Gopal and Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, as well as Senator Shirley Turner and Assembly Members Pamela Lampitt, Anthony Verrelli, and Linda Carter.

In connection with a closure of the school or facility caring for their child.Įmployees may be required to obtain a doctor’s note if they take sick leave for their own illness/injury or to provide reasonable documentation if sick leave is claimed for three or more consecutive days for a purpose permitted under the law.To attend school-related conferences, meetings, functions, or other events for their child.For the death of an immediate family member, for up to seven days.For circumstances related to domestic or sexual violence.To assist a member of their immediate family – including parents, spouses, siblings, and children – with the diagnosis, treatment, and/or care of a physical or mental illness, injury, or other health condition.To recover from a physical or mental illness, injury, or other health condition and/or take the time to have it diagnosed, treated, or cared for.Under the new law, school district employees may use sick leave for the following reasons: This expansion not only promotes a healthier school community, but also demonstrates our commitment to supporting New Jersey’s educational workforce.” Angelica Allen-McMillan, Acting Commissioner of Education. “By broadening the permitted reasons for sick leave, we empower our educators to take care of themselves and their loved ones during critical times. “Expanding the scope of school district employee sick leave is a crucial step to continue fostering a compassionate and supportive educational environment,” said Dr. This bill recognizes that reality and allows school employees to take the time they need when they need it.” Being able to get preventative health care, address mental health needs, care for a family member, take time to grieve the loss of a loved one, or be there for a child in times of need all play an important part in a person’s overall well-being. “Recovering from a significant and sudden illness or injury is not the only reason an employee may need to take time off. “The past several years have highlighted just how crucial it is to prioritize the health and wellness of our residents, including the hardworking employees who educate New Jersey students and keep our schools running,” said Governor Murphy. The new law expands the list of permissible uses for these employees. Previously, school employees could only use their sick leave in connection with a personal disability due to an illness or injury, or if they or someone in their immediate household needed to quarantine due to a contagious illness. TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today signed a bill (A-5060/S-3440) to expand eligible reasons for which a school district employee may use their sick leave.

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