All full-time, non-temporary employees who work at least 40 hours per week will have a new type of leave available for use. House Bill 313, effective July 1, 2015, was signed into law this year and will provide eligible employees with up to eight (8) paid hours of Education Support Leave per calendar year. Eligible employees will be able to request to use the Education Support Leave to participate in activities related to student achievement and academic support that promote education in Georgia. This leave will be available to all eligible employees, both parents of students and non-parents, and may be considered for activities supporting public, private, and home school achievement. Activities that promote education in Georgia may include, but are not limited to, some of the following:
- Attend Parent/Teacher conferences
- Participate in classroom activities, such as reading to a class or presenting on career day
- Tutor students without receiving compensation
- Proctor examinations
- Attend award and recognition ceremonies or graduation exercises
- Participate in field day activities or field trips
- Attend open house functions
State Personnel Board Rule 478-1-.16, Absence from Work, has been revised to include guidance on this type of leave and may be viewed on the Department of Administrative Services’ website. Eligible employees should contact their direct supervisor or their Human Resources office for guidance on requesting and using this type of leave. Through the Education Support Leave program, eligible employees have the opportunity to support education at all levels, from pre-K/early care and learning all the way through higher education. Employees may wish to contact their local school systems, private schools, day care facilities, technical colleges, and/or universities to inquire about opportunities to support education initiatives in their communities and any background check or other criteria they would need to meet before participating in volunteer activities.
