News Summary
Caddo Parish Public Schools propose revisions to the sick leave policy in response to employee absenteeism during a recent school board meeting.
Shreveport, Louisiana – Caddo Parish Public Schools Superintendent Keith Burton has proposed significant revisions to the sick and personal leave policy for employees, highlighting a growing concern over staff absenteeism. This request was presented during a school board meeting on April 15, 2025, and follows earlier discussions surrounding student absenteeism and truancy rates in the district.
Superintendent Burton’s proposal comes in response to a recent surge in employee absenteeism, which he believes needs immediate action to safeguard student success. Ensuring that staff members are present and engaged is essential for maintaining educational standards and supporting student learning environments.
Currently, the district’s sick leave policy mandates that employees provide a physician’s note for any sick leave taken exceeding six days. Additionally, if an employee is absent on the day preceding or following a holiday, a doctor’s note is required unless an emergency situation or prior supervisor approval is provided. The physician’s note must include the doctor’s name, the employee’s name, and the anticipated date of return to work.
Burton expressed concerns regarding the abuse of the existing sick leave policy, noting instances where employees have submitted dubious documentation. An example cited involved an employee who presented a veterinarian’s note to justify their absence, raising flags about the integrity of submitted medical paperwork.
The proposed revisions would require employees to notify their supervisors at least 24 hours in advance if they plan to take personal leave, barring emergencies. Failure to provide this notice could result in a loss of pay. This adjustment aims to improve overall attendance and accountability among the staff.
Burton underscored that the changes are designed to uphold professionalism and elevate standards within Caddo Parish Schools. By implementing stricter policies, the district hopes to foster a more responsible atmosphere among its employees and ultimately enhance the educational experiences for students.
The committee responsible for reviewing these policy changes has voted in favor of recommending the revisions to the full Caddo Parish School Board, which will consider the proposal on June 17, 2025. The outcome of this decision could set a precedent for how absenteeism issues are managed moving forward, impacting both employee and student performance within the district.
These developments come at a time when educational institutions are increasingly focused on addressing issues related to attendance and engagement. By implementing more rigorous guidelines on sick leave, Caddo Parish Schools aims to reinforce the importance of reliability and presence among its educators and staff, thus contributing to an improved learning environment for all students.
As these discussions unfold, stakeholders are encouraged to consider the implications of such policies on employee morale and the overall educational experience. The outcome of the School Board’s decision in June will be pivotal in shaping future policies and addressing the challenges presented by rising absenteeism rates.
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Additional Resources
- KSLA: Caddo School Board Votes on Consolidation
- Wikipedia: Caddo Parish Schools
- KTBS: Caddo Parish School Check-in Procedure
- Google Search: Caddo Parish Public Schools Attendance
- NOLA: Louisiana Public School Enrollment Drops
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
