Absences & Tardiness Accountability

Planned Absences

For planned or foreseeable absences, employees must follow the procedures outlined in the "Time Off/Leave of Absence" section of this handbook. This includes:

• Submitting a request through the Absence Management System (Aesop/Frontline)

• Receiving prior approval from their building/department administrator

• Providing any supporting documentation, if required

Requests for personal days, vacation leave, professional development days, or other discretionary time off must be submitted and approved in advance. Vacation requests must be approved prior to making any travel or financial commitments.

All leave approvals are subject to the terms of the employee’s collective bargaining agreement and the operational needs of the District.

Excessive Absences

Excessive absenteeism is defined as three (3) or more occurrences of sick leave-related absences or unexcused absences within a single calendar month. Patterns of excessive absenteeism may disrupt the educational environment and place an undue burden on school operations.

Such absenteeism may be subject to corrective or disciplinary action, up to and including written warnings, performance improvement plans, or further discipline, depending on the severity and frequency of the occurrences.

Note: This definition does not apply to absences protected by applicable state or federal law, including but not limited to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA), or the New Jersey Earned Sick Leave Law.

Excessive Tardiness

Excessive tardiness is defined as three (3) or more instances of lateness within a single calendar month. Repeated tardiness negatively impacts the functioning of the workplace and may also result in corrective discipline, particularly if it becomes a recurring issue.

Employees are expected to report to work on time for every scheduled shift. In cases where lateness is unavoidable, employees must promptly notify their immediate supervisor according to the District’s absence reporting procedures.

Unexcused Absences

An absence will be classified as unexcused if the employee:

• Fails to report the absence through the appropriate channels (e.g., Frontline/Aesop)

• Notifies their supervisor after the required timeframe (e.g., less than one hour before shift start)

• Does not provide sufficient advance notice for a foreseeable or planned absence

• Fails to submit required documentation, such as a physician’s note after three consecutive sick days

• Does not follow the District's established vacation or sick leave procedures

• Employees are not permitted to request or use sick leave, personal leave, or vacation time on the workday(s) immediately preceding or following a scheduled school holiday, unless prior written approval has been granted by the Superintendent or designee. 

Important: The use of available leave balances (e.g., vacation or sick time) does not automatically classify an absence as excused. Approval is still contingent upon compliance with District procedures and timely notice requirements.

Any absence due to illness on the workday(s) immediately preceding or following a scheduled holiday must be substantiated by a valid physician’s note. Failure to provide appropriate medical documentation will result in the absence being recorded as unauthorized and may subject the employee to disciplinary action.

Deduct Days

In the event an employee has exhausted all accrued leave entitlements (including but not limited to sick, personal, vacation, or emergency days), any additional absences from work—regardless of the reason—will result in a corresponding deduction from the employee’s compensation. Employees are responsible for monitoring their leave balances and are encouraged to contact the Human Resources Department with questions regarding their available time.

Unapproved or unreported unpaid absences may be subject to disciplinary action, in accordance with District policy.

Emergency School Closures and Make-Up Days

In the event of adverse weather conditions or other emergencies necessitating the closure of schools for a period exceeding three (3) days, the District reserves the right to schedule make-up instructional days. These make-up days will be held during the April recess, or as otherwise determined by the Board of Education in accordance with the approved school calendar.

Employees are expected to make any necessary arrangements to be available for work on designated make-up days. Additional information will be communicated by District administration should such circumstances arise.