HISD to clarify leave policy after employees express concerns

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Friday, December 22, 2023
HISD to clarify leave policy after employees express concerns
HISD is clarifying its leave policy, but would not disclose the reason why and said it's important students have "face-to-face" time with teachers.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- HISD is clarifying its leave policy after officials said there were concerns from employees.

During a press conference, district officials said teacher absences were down 43% for the first half of the school year. When ABC13 asked if there was a major change in the policy since the school takeover, officials would only say they wanted to make the policy clearer because it's important for students to have "face-to-face" time with teachers.

Also, district could also start the new school year two weeks earlier than usual. Our partners at the Houston Chronicle reported that in a letter sent to parents, the district wants to start the 2024 school year between Aug. 7 and Aug. 14. This would put teachers returning to work at the end of July.

These changes come as HISD voted to be a "district of innovation," which in part allows them to change school start times.

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