BOE approves teacher COVID leave through Sept. 30

Demopolis City Schools Board of Education Tuesday voted to allow teachers who test positive for COVID-19 to have 10 days leave with pay through Sept. 30.

In a called meeting, the board, with the recommendation of Supt. Tony Willis, said the paid leave would not count against a teacher’s sick leave. However, the leave would apply only to the teachers and not to any members of their families who might test positive.

The leave is paid for by the state but expires Sept. 30, the end of the fiscal year. It would not extend past the end of the month even if the teacher remains in quarantine.

The board hired three employees: Elisabeth Mitchell and Erica Howze as aides and Tara Arnold as a lunchroom worker.

Approved as substitutes are Dianna Bell with sub license, Catrinia Perkins for lunchrooms only and Cyd Johnston, retired math teacher, for math grades 6-12.

Marquita Ezell, reading coach, was granted maternity leave from Sept. 22 through Nov. 8.