How Schools Can Be Family-Friendly to Staff and Still Operate Efficiently

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This episode was provided in Partnership with Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management.

With school staffing shortages growing across the nation, it is imperative that school districts competing for staff members signal that they offer a family-friendly environment that recognizes the many pressing needs that may arise for staff members related to their families. At the same time, school staff members provide essential services and school districts need staff members to be present in order to operate efficiently and provide reliable educational and support services for students. This episode will review legal requirements under federal and state law that impact family issues that may arise for staff, including legal obligations related to family and medical leave, sick leave, and addressing the needs of staff members struggling with mental health and/or substance use issues. It will provide tips for creating a positive school culture while ensuring that essential school functions are provided, even when emergency issues arise for staff members.

Host – David Nash, Esq., Director of Legal Education and National Outreach, FEA

Guests – Rebecca Gold, Experienced School Leader, Human Resources Professional and LEGAL ONE Consultant; Paula Clark, Esq., Director of HR/In-House Labor and Employment Counsel, Wayne Township School District