KDE REQUESTS INFORMATION FROM DISTRICTS THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED WORK STOPPAGES

(FRANKFORT, KY) – Attendance records of teachers have been requested by the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) in light of a high number of teacher absences that have caused multiple districts to call off classes since Feb. 28, 2019, when protests regarding education legislation began.  

An email requesting the following was sent to 10 districts today:

1. The names of all teachers that called in sick for February 28, March 5-7, and/or March 12-14, 2019 and the day(s) for which each teacher called in sick;
2. Any and all affidavits or certificates of a reputable physician stating that the employee was ill or caring for an ill family member on the days the employee called in sick, as required by KRS 161.155 for the granting of any sick leave; and
3. Documentation of the district’s policies, procedures, and/or protocols for collecting sick leave affidavits or certifications and verifying qualification for the granting of sick leave.

Districts include Bath, Boyd, Bullitt, Carter, Fayette, Jefferson, Letcher, Madison, Marion and Oldham. The records are due to KDE by close of business, March 18, 2018.

“The Kentucky Department of Education takes the closing of schools very seriously,” said Commissioner Wayne Lewis. “While it is important that administrators, teachers and students make their voices heard about issues related to public education policy, advocacy should under no circumstances be putting a stop to learning for entire communities. Most Kentucky districts have managed to make that avenue available without work stoppages and have continued to serve students.”

According to KRS 156.010 and KRS 156.210, the commissioner has access to the records of all teachers, or any other public school officials and has the authority to report mismanagement, violation of law, or misconduct to the Kentucky Board of Education. The board shall inform the county attorney or the Commonwealth’s attorney in the county or district where the violation occurs.

A review of the records submitted by districts will help the commissioner to determine if state law is being upheld by districts and their employees.