COVID-19 Paid Administrative Leave
HB 1167 created a new School Code provision requiring school districts to provide paid administrative leave to employees who were forced to miss work for a “COVID-19 Related Absence.”
Under this new law, employees who are considered “Fully Vaccinated against COVID-19” are entitled to receive paid administrative leave for any day they were required to miss as a result of a COVID-19 Related Absence. The law applies anytime the Governor has declared a disaster due to a public health emergency and a school district, the State, a state agency (ISBE or IDPH), or a local public health department has issued guidance, mandates, or rules related to COVID-19 which restrict an employee’s ability to be on school district property.
For the 2021-2022 school year, any sick leave used by a teacher or an employee for an absence qualifying as a “COVID-19 Related Absence” shall be restored to them as long as they meet the definition of “Fully Vaccinated against COVID-19” by May 10th, 2022 (within 5 weeks of the April 5th, 2022, effective date of the Act).
To receive the benefits of this new law, employees must provide all documentation requested by the school board. Additionally, if an employer has a COVID-19 testing program in-place, employees seeking to benefit from this Act must continue to comply with the terms of the program in order to remain eligible for the paid administrative leave.
For more information on this topic and a sample Vaccination Verification letter and form visit the Client Portal.
