It is the policy of the Highline School Board to allow each district employee to request up to two unpaid holidays per calendar year for a reason of faith or conscience or an organized activity conducted under the auspices of a religious denomination, church or religious organization.  In compliance with state law, the Superintendent or designee or the employee’s supervisor will grant the request(s) unless he or she determines that the employee’s absence would impose an undue hardship on the district, or the employee is necessary to maintain public or student safety.

The Superintendent is authorized to develop procedures to implement this policy, to include the factors that will be weighed in evaluating whether a request constitutes an undue hardship.

The School Board requests a report each January on the previous calendar year’s requests under this policy.  The report should include: the aggregate number of requests; the aggregate number approved; the aggregate number denied; the reasons for any denials; and the number of employees by employment classification who requested zero, one, or two unpaid holidays.

Cross Reference:
Highline School Board Leave Policies - Policy Nos. 5400-5407
Holidays - Policy 5410
Vacation - Policy 5411

Legal Reference:
Legal Holidays and legislatively recognized days - RCW 1.16.050
Office of Financial Management - RCW 43.41
SB 5173 (2014 Legislative Session)
WAC 82-56

Management Resources:
Policy & Legal News - June 2014

Highline School District 401
Adopted by the Board: 9.14
Classification: Essential