R-IV School Board Passes COVID Leave Pay for Positive Cases Only

The Willow Springs School Board voted to pay COVID leave for staff members who have tested positive, but not for those in quarantine without a positive test result. Another hot button issue at the School Board meeting, the debate centered on whether or not to “incentivize” vaccination for school staff. 
Because Health Department guidelines do not require quarantine for vaccinated individuals who are identified as exposed to COVID-19 through contact tracing, the decision to pay an additional ten days’ wages only to those who contract the virus was repeatedly referred to as “favoring” vaccination or as “penalizing” the unvaccinated. Teachers normally receive ten days of sick leave throughout the year and would be required to use these days to be paid during a quarantine if they do not test positive. Any additional days employees miss for quarantine would be docked from their salary.
“Should we pay for them to sit at home because they chose not to get a vaccine? Is the district responsible to them financially when they’re not at work?” asked Dean Aye.
“I don't feel good about not paying teachers who caught COVID through exposure at school, but I’m in favor of favoring somebody who does something to stay in school” Mac Gum, referring to getting vaccinated. Other members reinforced the idea that school employees who do everything they can, including social distancing and wearing a mask, to prioritize the students’ education should be rewarded. 
Last year, the school district paid leave for every staff member who required time off for COVID-related reasons. The school board did not consider this practice to be fiscally responsible this year.
When it came to a vote, Dean Aye moved to pay for COVID-related leave for positive cases only. Brent Colley seconded his motion, and it carried by a vote of six to one. Matt Hobson was the dissenting vote.
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