Blue Zones initiative leads F1S to introduce new leave policies

Two new employee leave policies received first reading Thursday night at the Florence 1 Schools Board of Trustees meeting. These policies will commence next school year.

Employee Wellness and Dental Exam Leave

All full-time Florence 1 Schools employees will be eligible for one paid day per school year to attend annual wellness exams and or dental checkups. This paid day will not count against the employee’s accruing sick days or vacation days. Employees may split the wellness day and take two half days to accommodate doctor and dental visits.  

Benefits Administrator Renee Prosser said that she appreciates the district introducing the wellness policy, which encourages employees to prioritize their health.

“A healthy employee is a present employee, in all areas of their life,” Prosser said. “They are present at work, for their family and in their community. This policy allows our employees to take care of important doctor appointments without trying to schedule them all during Intersession, winter break, or summer vacation.”

Community Volunteer Leave

The second policy introduced Thursday night will allow all Florence 1 Schools employees an opportunity to give back to the community.

All full-time Florence 1 Schools employees who have completed two full years of employment with the district will be eligible for one paid day per school year, July 1st - June 30th, to volunteer in approved community service activities throughout Florence County. 

“These two new policies show the level of commitment the board has to the overall health and well-being of Florence One employees,” said F1S Board Member Kimrey-Ann Haughn. “Based on employee feedback from the work of the Blue Zones initiative, we have learned the importance of providing specific time for employees to take care of their annual wellness screenings, and how important it is for employees to be able to give back in our local community while representing the school district. The Community Volunteer Leave and Employee Wellness Leave policies are two examples of how much we value and support the needs of Florence One employees so that they can meet the needs of Florence One students.”