Cape school board approves amended policies
The Cape Henlopen School District Board of Education unanimously approved a number of amended board policies during its monthly meeting held Jan. 22 at Love Creek Elementary.
The first three policies, relating to leaves and absences, included some changes to bring them into compliance with the Delaware Department of Labor’s new paid family and medical leave program.
The Healthy Delaware Families Act, which went into effect Jan. 1, provides eligible employees up to 12 weeks of paid, job-protected leave for parental bonding, personal serious health conditions or family care. See details at tinyurl.com/ye22ceee.
Previously, the state offered only unpaid family medical leave through the federal government.
Both the paid and unpaid programs can run concurrently, but the unpaid leave lasts longer than the paid. Eligible employees can use either or both programs.
The board policies were amended simply to reflect that the district now offers both programs.
Also, paid parental leave has been amended to encompass not just birth or adoption, but also placement of a child through foster care.
Other board policies that were approved related to student fundraising, budget preparation, a tax levy, purchases subject to bid, payroll authorization, payroll deductions, special-purpose funds and property insurance.
These policies were introduced to the board at a previous meeting, and this was their second reading.
Most included only minor language changes and updates, such as changing “Board” to “Cape Henlopen School District Board of Education.”
The board also heard a presentation about a proposed amended district travel policy, which establishes updated guidelines for reimbursing employees and officials for authorized travel expenses occurring in the conduct of district-related business. The change makes the policy consistent with the state and General Services Administration meal allowance rates. No action was taken yet regarding this policy.
A recording of the meeting, during which the policies were discussed at greater length, can be found at capehenlopenschools.com/board-of-education.
Ellen McIntyre is a reporter covering education and all things Dewey Beach. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Penn State - Schreyer Honors College in May 2024, then completed an internship writing for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. In 2023, she covered the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand as a freelancer for the Associated Press and saw her work published by outlets including The Washington Post and Fox Sports. Her variety of reporting experience covers crime and courts, investigations, politics and the arts. As a Hockessin, Delaware native, Ellen is happy to be back in her home state, though she enjoys traveling and learning about new cultures. She also loves live music, reading, hiking and spending time in nature.
