Trustee Moves Help Soften Harvey’s Blow for Employees

While Hurricane Harvey can still be felt in the Houston area and Spring Branch, SBISD Trustees have taken measures to help soften the impact for employees and the system.

Harvey Leave Days
In an emergency meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 6, Trustees approved pay for employees for work days missed while the district was closed because of Harvey. Trustees also approved extra leave days to staff who worked on Thursday, Sept. 7, and Friday, Sept. 8, to prepare for school reopening on Monday, Sept. 11.
Pay Resolution
Leave Resolution

2017-18 Calendar
Trustees also approved during the emergency meeting asking TEA to waive make-up days for the 10 days missed because of Harvey, a waiver that has been granted.

Trustees approved making Wednesday, Dec. 13, and Thursday, Dec. 14, full days for secondary students due to the cancellation of fall semester mid-terms and finals. Those days were originally scheduled as half-days. Friday, Dec. 15, remains an early dismissal day for all campuses.
2017-18 Revised Calendar

Trustees approved extending the deadline to Oct. 31 for high school seniors to decide whether to have their class rank reported. This is a one-time extension.

Disaster Day Pool
Trustees approved the creation of an employee leave pool to help staff dealing with personal loss from Harvey, an idea that came from staff who want to donate. Employees can donate up to two days of leave into the pool, and a committee of central office and campus personnel will determine who qualifies to receive days from the pool. Deadline to donate or request leave is Tuesday, Oct. 24.
To DONATE Leave
To REQUEST Leave

SBEF Pledgecents Campaign
Opened during the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, the Spring Branch Education Foundation Pledgecents campaign to raise money for affected SBISD staff has collected more than $300,000. Distribution of the funds has begun, overseen by SBEF with guidance from a committee of SBEF and SBISD officials. Disbursements are given in $300 Target or Walmart gift cards. The fund has also contributed $25,000 to Communities in Schools to help with rent vouchers, utility assistance and other needs.

Go HERE if you’d like to contribute.